A California agency is asking manufacturers to find alternatives to two chemicals they use in rugs and carpets to repel spills and prevent stains because they are linked to serious health problems.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFASs, are associated with liver and kidney problems, cancers and disruption to hormone functions.
The California Department of Toxic Substances deemed carpets and rugs with PFASs a “Priority Product” on July 1. DTSC said in a statement late Friday that other products that contain PFASs include food packaging and treatments for textiles and leather, and those are among products it is currently considering regulating.
DTSC Director Meredith Williams said PFASs are “some of the most persistent toxic chemicals in existence”; they don’t easily break down in the environment or in human bodies.
“Using them in carpets and rugs is of particular concern because so many homes and offices have them as floor coverings, subjecting many people to prolonged exposure every day,” Williams said. “This action is a major step forward in the department’s mission to protect Californians from harmful chemicals in the environment and in the products they purchase and use.”
Babies and children face greater risk than adults because they spend more times on the floor touching carpets that contain the chemicals — and they frequently put their fingers in their mouths. Studies also have shown PFASs they can be passed to an infant through breast milk or to a fetus through the placenta.
DTSC said the chemicals are potentially hazardous.
People will need to travel out of state to get their carpet. But hey, they can pick up some fireworks at the same time.
Oh, joy. More stuff that won’t work thanks to the greenies.
So, get rid a product that works really well, and give people an inferior “green” alternative. It”s not the first we’ve seen this. I don’t trust, or respect these authorities. It’s a California nanny state. I suspect the different motive. Follow the money. I’d rather see toxic state agencies that over regulate elimated
Fond memories of MTBE, one of the most toxic and insidious ‘gifts’ from so-called environmentalists.
I had unexplained headaches for years and as soon as MTBE was removed from gasoline they went away.
Thanks California.
Carpeting sucks but geez what do they expect those who have carpets to use to clean them. Thankfully we moving out of Ca at the end of July
We already did. Reading the news from California makes us grateful to be out. Good luck in whatever state you are moving to.
CA’s a nanny state?
CA’s a socialists state in its infancy.
Ya’ll aint sein nuthin’ yat.
I foresee a growing black market in Scotchgard (R).
How about a recall so we can get safe carpets?
That class of chemicals, PFAS, are used to waterproof clothing. They’re used in many industries and even food packaging.
Finding a replacement could be monumental.
Remember the Challenger disaster? Early on they said NASA switched to an inferior foam insulation because it was more environmentally friendly. This is the same foam that broke off and damaged the tiles and led to the deaths of all those astronauts.
Stain resistant carpeting is racist.
Along with everything else that is effective.