Washington adjusts lead limits for cosmetic products amid manufacturer challenges

The House Human Services Committee convened on May 2, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding cosmetic product regulations in Vermont, particularly in light of recent legislation passed in Washington. The meeting was led by Dr. Mark Levine, the commissioner, who presented a report detailing the challenges faced by manufacturers in complying with strict lead limits in cosmetics.

Dr. Levine explained that manufacturers in Washington, who opted to follow an interim policy, must notify the state's Ecology department through an online form. This policy requires them to provide contact information and document their compliance status. However, it was noted that achieving the stringent limit of 1 part per million (PPM) for lead in cosmetics has proven to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many manufacturers. Consequently, Ecology has decided not to enforce strict compliance with this limit.

The discussion highlighted that lead naturally occurs in various environmental products, such as soils and clays, and is not intentionally added to cosmetics. The committee explored potential processes for reducing lead levels in these products. Dr. Levine pointed out that Washington has not successfully implemented the strict 0.1 PPM limit, which raises questions about Vermont's approach to similar regulations.

The committee considered whether Vermont should adopt a standard similar to Washington's, which appears to have settled on a less stringent limit than the federal guideline of 10 PPM. Dr. Levine indicated that pursuing a lower limit, akin to Washington's, may not be feasible at this time. Instead, the committee will explore options that could establish a threshold greater than 1 PPM but still below the federal limit.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members discussed the need for further recommendations from Washington regarding Vermont's regulatory approach. The outcome of this meeting sets the stage for future discussions on how Vermont will navigate cosmetic product safety standards in light of the challenges faced by manufacturers.