By Bob Katzen

Would ban toxic chemicals, known as PFAs, in children’s products. The bill would require the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a list of known toxic chemicals and require manufacturers and distributors to pay fees and submit biannual reports disclosing if these chemicals are in products they make or distribute for children under 12.

After three years, the measure would ban the use of these chemicals in products for children three and under, children’s personal care products and anything designed to be put in a child’s mouth, such as a pacifier. The bill also allows DEP to restrict toxic chemicals from products for children 4-12 if scientific research shows a possible exposure risk. Safer alternatives must replace all toxic chemicals.

Supporters said the bill intends to reduce or reverse rising rates of noncommunicable illness that a strong body of scientific evidence links to early life exposure to toxic chemicals, including childhood and young adult cancers, neurodevelopmental diseases such as ADHD, autism, behavioral and learning challenges, reproductive disorders and asthma.

“We now know how damaging these forever chemicals are to humans, and especially vulnerable are children who cannot choose for themselves how to avoid unnecessary illnesses,” said sponsor Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro). “It is our job and responsibility to protect them from harm and to use alternatives in the products we make and market to families. My office is grateful for the steadfast advocacy of organizations such as Clean Water Action, whose mission is to keep harmful PFAS out of children’s products.”