Bill > S3946

This bill addresses the regulation of firefighting personal protective equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of human-made chemicals known for their potential health and environmental risks. The bill requires producers of firefighting equipment with intentionally added PFAS to provide written notice to purchasers, detailing the presence, reason, and specific types of PFAS in the equipment. Starting one year after the act's effective date, producers must include this written notice at the time of sale, and both producers and purchasers must retain a copy for three years. Two years after the effective date, the bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS, with an exception for non-clothing protective equipment like breathing apparatuses, hearing protection, and communication devices, which will have until January 1, 2030, to comply. The bill defines "intentionally added PFAS" as chemicals deliberately used to provide specific characteristics or functions, and it establishes that violations will be considered unlawful practices subject to penalties under existing consumer protection laws. The legislation aims to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in essential firefighting equipment while providing a transition period for manufacturers to develop alternative products.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3946