Washington State Draft Action Plan Recommends Reducing PFAS

The recently published Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) Draft Chemical Action Plan (CAP) for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS Draft CAP) recommends actions to reduce PFAS exposure, use, and releases in Washington state. The state’s Toxics in Packaging Law  was amended in 2018 to include a ban on PFAS in food packaging that will take effect following the identification of safer alternative products (RCW 70A.222.070). The ban only applies to fiber-based food packaging (RCW 70A.222.010). PFAS are defined as having at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

The PFAS Draft CAP includes recommendations concerning food packaging. For example, the Draft CAP recommends that manufacturers be required to identify which products contain PFAS and provide information regarding the amount, function, and hazard of the specific PFAS in each product. 

The Draft CAP also mentions that an assessment on PFAS in food packaging is being conducted, and that the analysis and research are focused on food wrappers, liners, and other packaging categories such as plates, bowls, trays, and take-out containers. In addition, end-users of these products are being asked to provide input on the use of alternatives in the market.

The draft plan is open for public comment until December 7, 2020.