Assembly approves ban on lead, PFAS and other specified chemicals in menstrual products

The New York State Assembly on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 1548, a measure that bans certain intentionally added toxic chemicals — including lead, mercury, formaldehyde and PFAS — from menstrual products sold or distributed in the state.

The bill’s sponsor, Miss Rosenthal, said the measure responds to studies showing toxic substances in some menstrual products and argued those items “should be free of any chemicals that could even possibly cause adverse health impacts.” She told the chamber she voted for the bill.

Supporters described two phases in the law. For the first year the prohibition will apply to intentionally added substances; by 2029 the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation are to produce a restricted-substances list and set thresholds for trace, unintentionally present contaminants. Rosenthal also noted existing state law requiring ingredient labeling for menstrual products.

Assembly members pressed the sponsor on implementation questions, including how unintended contamination (for example, agricultural residues in cotton) would be handled, how packaging and labeling transitions would be timed, and which state agencies would set technical thresholds. Miss Walsh asked whether the bill allowed any de minimis levels; Rosenthal and staff said the first year focuses on intentionally added ingredients and that DOH and DEC would later propose numeric trace limits.

The Assembly recorded 148 ayes and 0 noes; the clerk announced the bill passed. The clerk’s earlier announcement of an effective date in the record was not clear (the transcript read “this action will take effect on the 360 fifth day”); the bill text and final implementation schedule will be controlled by statute and subsequent agency rulemaking.

What the law requires and what it does not: The law, as discussed on the floor, requires manufacturers to avoid intentionally adding the listed chemicals and to list ingredients on product labels; it does not immediately ban all trace contamination until DOH and DEC set numeric thresholds by 2029. The bill also references existing federal and state oversight — sponsors noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s role and prior lab analyses were part of the debate but that the state measure sets a stricter standard for New York sales.

The Assembly debate included references to lab analyses commissioned between 2020 and 2022 that found PFAS in a portion of sanitary products; sponsors cited public-health concerns about absorption through vaginal tissue and possible links to endocrine disruption and other conditions. Opponents did not register a roll-call no vote in this session.

The bill now goes to the governor for signature; if signed, agencies will undertake the regulatory steps described in the legislation.

Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 1548 (Calendar 6) — Passed, Ayes 148, Noes 0.