Only a few weeks ago we told you about the historic bill that could have banned PFAS forever – the infamous “forever chemicals” – from non-stick pans, food packaging and cleaning products in California. The bill SB 682, already approved by the Californian Parliament, was only waiting for the governor’s signature to become operational. But that signature never arrived.
The governor’s veto
Governor Gavin Newsom decided to veto the law, effectively blocking one of the most ambitious measures ever introduced in the United States to phase out PFAS from everyday products.
A choice that has sparked strong controversy, especially among environmentalists and scientists. According to local newspapers, the decision was influenced by pressure from the restaurant sector and cookware manufacturers, represented by the Cookware Sustainability Alliance, which mobilized internationally renowned chefs such as Rachael Ray, Thomas Keller, Marcus Samuelsson and David Chang to oppose the bill.
Opponents argue that PTFE (Teflon) coatings are safe if produced and used correctly, and that a blanket ban could have had economic and practical impacts on families and restaurants.
The reactions of environmentalists
For environmental groups, however, Newsom’s veto represents a serious setback in the fight against so-called “eternal pollutants”.
Californians deserve protection from toxic PFAS in the products they use to cook, clean and care for their families,” said Susan Little, EWG’s California legislative director. “Instead, the governor’s veto leaves consumers needlessly exposed to these dangerous chemicals – and paying dearly for their cleanup – for years to come.
And then he adds:
This veto represents a major setback for California’s leadership in protecting people and the planet from toxic PFAS. These chemicals have no place in everyday objects such as cookware. Millions of Americans cook safely without them, because PFAS-free pots and pans are available, cook well and are affordable.
PFAS and Teflon: why they are worrying
Once again, the non-stick coating of PTFE pans, better known as Teflon, is under attack. This material, discovered by chance in 1938 and initially produced by DuPont for military purposes, has over time become one of the most widespread polymers in the world thanks to its resistance and non-stick properties.
The problem is that PFAS are used in its production, including PFOA, which is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol and ulcerative colitis, so much so that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a human carcinogen.
In Europe, PFOA has been banned since 2020 and pans produced after that date must be labeled as “PFOA-free”. But, as experts point out, this does not mean that they are completely free of PFAS or that they are completely harmless.
A missed opportunity to drive change
The California ban, if approved, would have represented a historic precedent and could have pushed other states (and perhaps the federal government itself) towards cracking down on PFAS. California could have sent a strong signal in defense of the environment and public health. But for now the battle against “eternal pollutants” remains pending.
Sources: Gov.ca / Cookware Sustainability Alliance / EWG
