Bill > A5195

This bill addresses the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE), introducing new requirements for producers and ultimately banning the sale of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added PFAS. The bill defines "intentionally added PFAS" as chemicals deliberately introduced to provide specific characteristics or functions, and establishes that producers must provide written notice to purchasers detailing the presence of PFAS, including the reason for its use and specific chemical names, starting one year after the act's effective date. Furthermore, beginning 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 PPE such as breathing apparatuses, hearing protection, and protective communication devices, which will have until January 1, 2030, to comply. Producers and purchasers must retain copies of the PFAS disclosure notices for at least three years and can provide them to state authorities upon request. Violations of these provisions will be considered unlawful practices subject to penalties under existing consumer protection laws, and the bill includes a provision protecting news media from liability for advertising products that might otherwise be restricted.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5195