Colorado is reworking its two-year-old “Forever Chemicals” law

The Colorado Legislature has passed and Governor Jared Polis has signed a bill updating the PFAS law, which was passed just two years ago.

This unusual step shows the states’ interest in dealing with the so-called Forever Chemicals.

In passing Senate Bill 24-081, the 2024 Colorado Legislature decided that the 2022 Legislature was too generous in setting deadlines for the phase-out of certain outdoor clothing, cookware and artificial turf.

PFAS chemicals are synthetic substances designed to coat products, making them resistant to heat, water and oil. They are common in certain products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foam.

PFAS chemicals break down slowly in the environment, and current scientific research suggests that exposure can lead to adverse health effects.

Colorado’s 2024 PFAS law bans additional products by 2026, including cookware, dental floss, menstrual aids and ski wax. The 2022 law covered PFAS-added carpets, cosmetics, textile treatments, food packaging, youth products, oil and gas liquids, textile furniture and upholstered furniture.

SB24-081 initially sought to ban the sale of any product containing PFAS by 2032, but was scaled back before final approval due to business concerns.

Colorado is among the states that have been active in the PFAS legislature since “Forever Chemicals” became an issue. This included more than $3 billion in state spending to eliminate harmful “forever chemicals.” Thirty-four states have considered 302 policies to protect people from the toxins, including 144 in 28 states.

Colorado is among the states where further PFAS actions are considered likely.

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