Oregon’s Move to Ban Toxic PFAS Chemicals by 2026 Ignites Debate Over Health Risks and Industry Impact

Since Oregon lawmakers introduced House Bill 3512, which seeks to prohibit the manufacture and use of toxic PFAS chemicals in the state from 2026, the bill has moved to the public participation phase on Thursday as testimony was heard from supporters and detractors.

Oregon House Proposes Bill To Ban PFAS Plastics

Oregon’s House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment heard testimony on House Bill 3512, which bans the manufacture and use of toxic PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals.”

Durable PSAS plastic, found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics, stays in the environment indefinitely and breaks down slowly over time.

According to the National Toxicology Program, two types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, suppress the antibody response and are a hazard to immune system function in humans.

A study published by the US National Institute of Health confirms that PFAS is present at low levels in various food products and is found in the blood of people and animals globally.

Despite thousands of variations in PFAS chemicals, research reveals possible links between human exposures to certain PFAS and certain adverse health outcomes, including altered metabolism and body weight regulation, increased risk of some cancers, and reduced immune system ability to fight infections.

House Bill 3512 proposes banning PFAS in most products next year, and things with longer production timelines will be phased out by 2028.

The bill will affect many sectors, including firefighters who use firefighting foam that contains these chemicals. A separate bill, SB 91, would ban PFAS from firefighting foam, which is viewed as a carcinogen.

A work session will need to be scheduled for HB 3512 to progress.