State bill would ban PFAS from some products sold
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... After months of discussions, a bill to ban so-called "forever chemicals" in certain consumer products cleared the New Jersey Senate's Budge and Apparitions Committee on December 8. [2025]
.....
The bill, sponsored by state Senators Linda Greenstein and Bob Smith, would ban the intentional addition of perfluoroaklyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances - commonly called PFAS - in three categories of consumer product, and would require notice be given for products containing the substances in New Jersey.
..... The consumer product categories include in the ban would be cosmetics, carpet and fabric treatments, and food packaging, and the ban would be implemented two years after the bill's effective date.
..... Greenstein, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Mercer and Middlesex counties, said the bill "aims to protect New Jersey residents from PFAS exposure by removing PFAS chemicals from products that we are in direct contact with in our daily lives."
..... She noted that it is not a "comprehensive bill" rather was the result of a "transparent and inclusive dialogue" that included various perspectives.
..... State Senator Paul Sarlo, the Bergen County Democrat who chairs the committee, commended Greenstein on being able to create a "good compromise here between industry and advocates."
..... Jennifer Coffey, executive director of the association of New Jersey environmental commissions, spoke at the budget committee hearing on the importance of protecting New Jersey residents from the harmful effects of PFAS on their health.
..... "Forever chemicals are pervasive in our modern world, with New Jersey being ground zero," she said. "A quickly growing body of epidemiological studies are adding to our collective understanding of the impact of different forever chemicals on our human bladders, liver, lungs and other organs, including there role of forever chemicals in causing various forms of cancer and impeding human immune and reproductive systems."
..... Cookware manufacturers would also have to include labels notifying customers if a product contained Intentionally added PFAS at that time.
..... The bill would also call on the Department of Environmental Protection to crate a source reduction program for PFAS, including an education campaign tor educe PFAS contamination in the environment. The department would also be required to conduct research and monitor PFAS in the state's environment and natural resources.
..... A companion bill is being considered in committee in the Assembly. It would need to pass both chambers of the Legislature before making its way to the governor's desk.
..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse,. Email: sobko@northjersey.com