Of the more than 9,000 known PFAS compounds, 600 are currently used in countless products for their stain and water repellant properties, including firefighting foam, cookware, cosmetics, carpet treatments, clothes, and even dental floss. Scientists call PFASs “forever chemicals” because their chemistry keeps them from breaking down under typical environmental conditions. Federal laws include the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and regulations pursuant to those laws. California laws and regulations include the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, Prop 65, pending, Assembly Bill 2247, and others. California agencies with jurisdiction include CalEPA, the State Water Board, DDW, DTSC, CARB, CDPH, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, municipalities, CalRecycle, and the State Fire Marshal.
