Newsom vetoes bill banning ‘forever chemicals’ in cookware, children’s products

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday vetoed a bill that would have phased out the use of synthetic chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks in common consumer products, including cleaning supplies, dental floss and cookware.

Senate Bill 682, authored by state Sen. Benjamin Allen (D-Santa Monica), would have prohibited the sale or distribution of cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging and ski wax containing intentionally added PFAS starting Jan. 1, 2028. The bill also would have extended that ban to cookware beginning in 2030.

In his veto message, Newsom said he supports the goal of protecting public health but warned the measure could limit affordable consumer options.

“I appreciate the efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers, and while this bill is well-intentioned, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products,” Newsom wrote. “We must carefully consider the consequences that may result from a dramatic shift of products on our shelves.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, liver and kidney disease, decreased fertility and developmental harm.

In a statement to KTLA, Allen said he was disappointed by the veto.

“For decades, manufacturers of PFAS chemicals have been exposing us to dangerous toxins that lead to cancer, liver and kidney disease, decreased fertility, developmental harm and other serious health conditions,” Allen said in a statement. “While the manufacturers escape accountability, ratepayers and local governments have been struggling to keep up with the ballooning costs of cleaning these ‘forever chemicals’ from our water infrastructure.”

California already restricts PFAS in several products, including textiles, cosmetics, certain juvenile items, and firefighting foam.