Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pa. House votes to ban PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual and baby products

Pa. House votes to ban PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual and baby products

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 8, 2026 | 3:58 PM

HARRISBURG, June 8 — State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, today announced that the PA House passed his bill that would ban toxic PFAS forever chemicals from high-contact consumer products in Pennsylvania.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals linked to a range of serious health risks, including cancer, immune-system suppression, pregnancy-related hypertension, reduced fertility, and more. House Bill 2145 would ban the use of PFAS in the manufacture of many daily-use household products, including cosmetics, dental floss, infant and children’s products, and menstrual pads and tampons.

According to Scott, the focus on cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products and many products used to care for children and babies is due to their daily, high-contact use.

“Pennsylvania’s legislature has been taking steps to reduce PFAS exposure in a variety of situations, and I’m proud to see my bill pass the House in our latest step to protect our residents from these harmful chemicals,” said Scott. “If we continue to allow toxic substances to be used in products that are intended for our most sensitive skin areas, or in products used daily by babies -- we’re not protecting Pennsylvanians. Over a lifetime of use, that’s too significant a risk of health complications.

“This bill targets a specific group of consumer products that industry experts tell us have a high rate of PFAS exposure,” said Scott. “My hope is that it serves as a starting point for future legislation to lower PFAS exposure even more in the Commonwealth.”

House Bill 2145 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

Earlier this legislative session, the House also passed H.B. 1261 to ban the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams and require the makers of firefighting gear to clearly label when that gear contains added PFAS chemicals. Scott helped author this legislation.