What will new PFAS law mean for Vermont retailers and consumers?

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – What’s the cost of removing so-called forever chemicals from the products we use? A sweeping new law bans the sale of a range of products containing PFAS chemicals in Vermont, aimed at preventing them from ever reaching the waste stream and the environment.

It’s a bustling day at Onion River Outdoors’ new downtown Montpelier location. Owner Kip Roberts has a new law on his mind that takes aim at a ubiquitous chemical.

“Used on jackets and a lot of clothing. I’m sure it’s used on a lot more than I know about,” he said.

The law signed by Governor Phil Scott this week phases in a ban on the sale of clothing and textiles containing PFAS, including many rain and ski jackets.

Roberts says national brands are heading in this direction anyway, so his customers won’t see a huge impact. “They’re all going to have PFAS phased out by this fall if not by next fall in 100 percent of their product lines,” he said.

The bill also bans PFAS in cosmetics, feminine hygiene products like pads and liners, and athletic turf. Vermont is taking its lead from states like California, banning chemicals like PFAS and formaldehyde.

“Consumers are already demanding those changes. Manufacturers are responding. It just takes time,” said Erin Sigrist with the Vermont Retailers & Grocers Assoc. She says especially with menstrual products, there isn’t yet a large supply chain that would provide affordable PFAS-free alternatives. And until that happens, those products are exempt. “It takes time for new products with maybe fewer chemicals to come online and be available at an affordable rate for consumers.” She adds that the law doesn’t ban the sale of products bought online, only those bought in person.

Governor Phil Scott says Vermont needs to take steps to remove the chemicals ahead of time to save on expensive remediation projects once the chemicals are in our water and soil. “We just need to send the message that we have to accelerate this. It’s not helping our environment and it’s costing us a lot of money,” he said this week.

Studies have shown PFAS has been linked to immune issues, decreased fertility, and cancer. They are embedded in all kinds of products that have been used for decades.