Coloradans should no longer be exposed to toxic “forever chemicals”

DENVER – Colorado has a chance to phase out dangerous “forever chemicals” from a range of products including outdoor apparel, cleaning products, cookware, dental floss, menstruation products, ski wax, textile products and artificial turf with a bill up today. PFAS are a group of “forever chemicals,” earning that name because they are nearly indestructible toxins that can cause major health problems in humans. 

Colorado has already phased out or is in the process of phasing out PFAS from carpets, furniture, cosmetics, juvenile products, some types of food packaging, and the fluids used in oil and gas production thanks to a 2022 bill. This bill, SB24-081, is sponsored by State Senator Lisa Cutter and State Representatives Cathy Kipp and Manny Rutinel.

 “We have known for many years of the dangers PFAS pose to our environment and human health,” said State Senator Lisa Cutter, one of the sponsors of the bill. “We must prioritize the well being of our constituents and send a clear signal to industry that it is time to pivot from these convenient, but highly toxic chemicals, and I will continue to work on this issue. I fully believe in our power to develop new solutions.” 

PFAS are human-made chemicals that are used in products because of their oil- and water- repelling capabilities, heat resistance, and friction-reduction qualities. Due to their attractive manufacturing capabilities, PFAS are now found in many common products and sources from firefighting foam to everyday household items like non-stick pans, clothing, and electronics. 

“To continue our state’s progress to protect Coloradans and our waterways from these dangerous chemicals, we should eliminate PFAS from our clothes, cookware, and other products that we all use,” said Environment Colorado Associate Sara Fraser. “These chemicals pollute our limited water and are harmful even at low concentrations. We don’t need to accept toxic chemicals in our clothes and other products.” 

In Colorado, water tests in 2020 showed that more than 100 public drinking water sources were contaminated with PFAS. Studies conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show Arapahoe County, Aurora, Brighton, Crowley County, Sterling, Englewood, Frisco and Lafayette with elevated levels of PFAS in their drinking water. 

These harmful chemicals build up in the bodies of humans over time and are toxic at low concentrations, causing major health problems. In addition to kidney cancer, thyroid disruption, and reduced responses to vaccination, PFAS may also cause reproductive problems and developmental effects in children.

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Supporters of SB24-081 include Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, Conservation Colorado, Colorado Sierra Club, PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility), People and Pollinators Action Network, CoPIRG, Environment Colorado, Aurora Water, South Platte Renew, Pueblo West Metropolitan District, City of Boulder, Metro Water Recovery, Denver Water, Parker Water and Sanitation District, North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association, Town of Erie, and the Colorado Wastewater Utility Council (whose members include Black Hawk Central City Sanitation District, Boxelder Sanitation District, Centennial Water and Sanitation District, City and County of Broomfield, City of Fort Collins, City of Grand Junction, City of Loveland, City of Northglenn, City of Pueblo, Clifton Sanitation District, Colorado Spring Utilities, Dominion Water and Sanitation District, Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, Evergreen Metro District, Forest Lakes Metro District, Fountain Sanitation District, Fremont Sanitation District, Grand County Water and Sanitation District, Lower Fountain Metro Sewage Disposal District, Mesa County Public Improvement District, Mount Crested Butte, Monument Sanitation District, Palmer Lake Sanitation District, Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District, Pleasant View Water and Sanitation District, Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority, Roxborough Water and Sanitation District, Security Sanitation District, Silverthorne-Dillon Joint Sewer and Sanitation, South Adams Water and Sanitation District, St. Vrain Sanitation District, Town of Eagle, Upper Blue Sanitation District, Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, Upper Thompson Sanitation District, Widefield Water and Sanitation District, Woodmen Hills Metro District).