1 Last Updated 3/6/2024
THIS BILL
SB 903 introduces a comprehensive, science -
based approach to phasing out unnecessary uses
of PFAS, health-harming chemicals that are also
known as “forever chemicals” because they persist
in the environment for years.
SB 903 would protect public and environmental
health by prohibiting the use of PFAS in any
products where there is a safe alternative , and
allowing for the use of PFAS when its use in a
product is unavoidable due to it being necessary
for the function of the product, critical for health and safety, or when there are no safer alternatives.
ISSUE
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a
large class of fluorinated chemicals that do not
break down or brea k down into other persistent
PFAS, leading to their common description as
“forever chemicals.”
PFAS spread quickly in the environment, and are
now found to be present at harmful levels in
humans, animals, and food sources. The California
State Water Board and United States
Environmental Protection Agency (“ EPA”) warn
that some PFAS have the potential to harm health
at very low levels, the equivalent of one drop of
water in 20 Olympic -sized swimming pools.
According to the EPA, PFAS are highly
carcinogenic, with other harmful health effects that
include liver disease, decreased fertility, endocrine
disruption, developmental harm, and immune
system suppression.
Virtually every person living in the United St ates
has PFAS in their blood (Calafat et al. 2007) .
Testing from 2019 -2022 found PFAS in water
systems serving millions of Californians (NRDC).
The California legislature has previously acted to
remove PFAS from a number of product
categories, including firefighting foams, textiles,
cosmetics, juvenile products, and paper -based
food packaging.
Despite the risks and legislative efforts, PFAS are
still widely used in consumer products a nd
industrial processes.
SOLUTION
SB 903:
Provides for the use of PFAS when –
1) there are no safer alternatives available;
2) the function provided by PFAS in the
product is necessary for the product to
work; and
3) the use of PFAS in the product is critical
for the health, safety, or functioning of
society.
Prohibits the sale and distribution of any
products that contain PFAS, or products
produced using PFAS , effective January 1,
2030, unless determination is made that a
specific use of PFAS is currently unavoidable
as outlined above; and
Creates a review process giving
manufacturers the opportunity to petition the
Department of Toxic Substance Control for a
determination that a use of PFAS is currently
unavoidable. Unavoidable uses of PFAS
may receive time -limited exemptions until
the use becomes avoidable.
SUPPORT
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (Co-sponsor)
California Ass of Sanitation Agencies (Co-sponsor)
Clean Water Action (Co-sponsor)
Environmental Working Group (Co-sponsor)
Natural Resources Defense Council (Co-sponsor)
National Stewardship Action Council
CONTACT
Jessica Uzarski
Legislative Aide
Office of Senator Nancy Skinner
(916) 651-4009 | [[email protected]]
Senate Bill 903
Ending Forever Chemicals Act
Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley)