PFAS Products: How Retailers Are Eliminating PFAS in Everyday Life

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTOR:
Laura McNamara, PE, PMP | Senior Project Manager/PFAS Lead
APTIM | Remediation & Technical Solutions
Laura.McNamara@APTIM.com
Laura has more than 22 years of experience performing and managing environmental investigation and remediation projects across the US for the Air Force, Army Corps of Engineers, and Defense Logistics Agency. She is an expert in PFAS investigation, treatment, and management to protect the health of our clients’ environments and communities.

PFAS Products: How Retailers Are Eliminating PFAS in Everyday Life

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, present a significant concern for consumers due to their pervasive presence in everyday products and potential health risks. These synthetic “forever chemicals”—commonly found in items like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging—are linked to adverse health effects such as cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system disruption. Plus, their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in the human body raise alarms about long-term consequences.

As consumers become more aware of these risks, there is a growing demand for regulations and alternatives to mitigate the impact of PFAS on public health and the environment.

State and Federal Regulations Being Considered in 2024

According to a February 8 analysis report by saferstates.org, there are at least 450 bills relating to toxic chemical policies, including PFAS, that will be considered by states across the US. This analysis of 2024 state legislation has identified 36 states that will work to address toxic chemicals and plastics, including:

• Phasing Out PFAS Products: At least 21 states will consider policies to address PFAS. These policies include restricting/limiting PFAS in products and requiring disclosure of PFAS in products as well as protections for firefighters from PFAS-containing firefighting foam and personal protective equipment.
• Plastics and Packaging: Overall, at least 24 states will be considering policies to address plastics and packaging including reducing the use of plastics and phasing out harmful chemicals (including PFAS) in packaging, restricting microplastics, eliminating chemicals from food packaging, and restricting “chemical recycling” of plastics.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Policies that restrict and/or require disclosure of chemicals, including PFAS, in cosmetics and other personal care products will be considered by at least 15 states in 2024.
• Safer Water: Continuing proposed regulations by the federal government for PFAS in water and drinking water, there are 27 states that will be evaluating policies that create standards for PFAS in drinking water; require testing, monitoring, or disclosure of PFAS and microplastics in drinking water; and designate PFAS cleanup resources in 2024.

These policies are a continuing and increasing trend toward providing safer materials for the population and protection for consumers.

Retailers at the Forefront of PFAS Elimination

Retailers are increasingly heeding the call to action and committing to eliminating PFAS from their products—or have already gotten started. Notable examples include:

• Fast Food Restaurants: Chipotle and Wendy’s eliminated PFAS from packaging in 2021. Chick-fil-A and Nathan’s Famous phased out PFAS in 2022. Burger King, McDonalds, and Taco Bell have all committed to removing PFAS from their packaging by the end of 2025.
• Grocery Chains: Albertsons, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods Market have all taken actions to reduce or eliminate PFAS in food packaging.
• Other Retailers: Keen eliminated PFAS from its entire line of footwear in 2018. Patagonia expects to eliminate PFAS from its entire product line by the end of 2024. Home Depot, Lowes, and Ikea committed to carrying only PFAS free versions of rugs, carpets, and textiles between 2016 and 2020.

How Consumers Can Reduce PFAS Exposure

As regulations come into effect and retailers advance the science of eliminating PFAS from everyday consumer products, individuals can take several small steps to reduce their exposure.

1. Look for options labeled “PFAS-free” or “certified nontoxic” when purchasing goods.
2. Ditch older products that are known to contain higher concentrations of PFAS or may leach into food and water, like old non-stick cookware and plastic containers.
3. Research to find PFAS-free options for items commonly applied to skin, such as sunscreen, bug spray, and cosmetics.

APTIM PFAS Equation

APTIM provides expert guidance, innovative technologies, and tailored strategies to assist retailers in complying with PFAS regulations. By leveraging our specialized services, retailers can navigate the complex landscape of PFAS regulations with ease, ensuring compliance at every stage of your operations. Our team of professionals stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements, conducting thorough assessments to identify PFAS sources within the retail environment. Through advanced monitoring and remediation techniques, APTIM helps you implement proactive measures to reduce PFAS exposure risks and achieve regulatory compliance. With APTIM’s support, you can safeguard your customers, employees, and the environment while upholding regulatory standards in an efficient and sustainable manner.