Common household cosmetic products are now one step closer to being free of harmful polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known as forever chemicals or PFAS.
These PFAS are usually synthetic chemicals that manufacturing facilities utilize quite often. These chemicals do not break down in the environment or the human body.

Thanks to a measure led by Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter, common cosmetic products are now getting closer to being banned from containing PFAS.

Hunter spoke recently about the health issues and long-term effects of PFAS, stating that it's crucial to get the use of PFAS off our shelves.

In a recent press conference, Hunter outlined House Bill 3409 (HB3409). This bill would make it illegal for any person to knowingly manufacture a product containing any of the 11 specific harmful chemicals, as well as any of the 13 forever chemicals.

Prolonged PFAS exposure has shown proof to cause a variety of serious health outcomes, including specific cancers, hormonal disruption, and even immune system damage.

Even though there is still an ongoing scientific consensus on the level of danger these substances cause, they still remain present in a wide range of personal care and beauty products. Senator Hunter believes that “Illinois consumers deserve to know the products they put on their bodies every day are safe.”

According to Hunter, this measure will send a clear message to the cosmetics industry, saying that if they want to sell in Illinois, the products must meet the health and safety standards that Illinois families deserve.

House Bill 3409 is set to be heard in the Senate Executive Committee next Wednesday.

For information on polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, visit www.niehs.nih.gov and search polyfluoroalkyl chemicals.