[co-author: Tasmaya Lagoo]

As of February 1, 2019, 17 state legislatures have introduced approximately 93 bills seeking to restrict or otherwise regulate chemicals during the 2019 legislative cycle.

The attached chart provides a snapshot of the breadth and popularity of proposed legislative restrictions on various chemicals. As many state legislatures are still in session, changes are to be expected and the chart should not be considered an exhaustive listing of proposed legislation.

As in recent years, bisphenol A, phthalates, flame retardants, and mercury and other heavy metals continue to receive significant attention from legislatures across the country. Likewise, bills specifically seeking to ban or limit the use of such chemicals in children’s products continue to garner interest. A small but growing number of state legislatures are considering restrictions on the use of triclosan in soaps and other personal hygiene products.

Of particular note, there has been a marked uptick in legislative and regulatory activity related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Beveridge & Diamond closely monitors these and other PFAS developments for clients representing a wide range of industry sectors.