How to Adapt Your Buying Habits As Minnesota’s PFAs Ban Begins

December 30, 2024 | Source: The Minnesota Star Tribune | by Brooks Johnson

Forever chemicals are everywhere because they’ve been so useful for so long: Non-stick pans. Waterproof jackets and cosmetics. Stain-proof clothing, carpets and upholstery.

Yet the PFAS family of chemicals that do all that and more have, in some cases, proven toxic and don’t readily break down in the environment. As a result, society is slowly moving away from their use, which might cause some products to perform differently than they once did.

Starting Wednesday, it will be illegal to sell products with intentionally added PFAS in 11 categories in Minnesota: Carpets or rugs; cleaning products; cookware; cosmetics; dental floss; fabric treatments; juvenile products; menstruation products; textile furnishings; ski wax, and upholstered furniture. The state also banned PFAS in food containers starting this year, and a near-total ban will take effect in 2032.