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Committee approves amended ban on PFAS in menstrual products, adds testing and lab-listing requirement
Summary
The committee released Assembly Bill 47-67 with amendments that ban PFAS from menstrual products and require the Department of Environmental Protection to publish an approved-laboratory list and acceptable testing methods; environmental and health advocates supported the change while some industry groups registered opposition.
The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee released an amended version of Assembly Bill 47-67 that bans regulated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from menstrual products and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to publish an approved list of laboratories and acceptable testing methods on its website.
Committee amendments extended the effective date to two years after enactment (instead of 18 months) and added a requirement that DEP publish approved laboratories and testing methods to satisfy the bill’s testing requirements. Testimony in favor came from Clean Water Action and Environment New Jersey, which urged stronger state-level action because federal oversight (FDA) does not currently regulate PFAS in many menstrual products and because independent studies have found PFAS in a significant share of tested products.
Supporters cited health concerns linked in published studies to PFAS exposure, including associations with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, certain cancers and other endocrine-related health effects. Witnesses noted independent testing (including a University of Notre Dame study commissioned by Wirecutter) showing detectable PFAS in a percentage of products and described prior litigation and market responses (a class action settlement involving a menstrual underwear maker was cited).
Opposition or concern was recorded from some industry and legal groups, including the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute and some trade associations; testimony and written comments were noted in the record. After discussion, the committee voted to release AB 47-67 as amended; the roll call showed Assemblywoman Munoz, Assemblyman Egan, Assemblywoman McCoy and Chairman Samson voting yes.
