Jan. 13, 2025: (NYT) PFAS Bans Are Coming for Clothing
A new ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in clothing has taken effect in California and New York as of January 2025, with similar regulations in other states. PFAS have been widely used in outdoor apparel for their waterproofing properties but are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and immune system harm. Despite their effectiveness, these chemicals persist in the environment and human bodies.
Many outdoor brands have already begun transitioning away from PFAS-based coatings, with alternatives such as Gore-Tex’s ePE membrane and PFAS-free treatments from Patagonia, Fjällräven, and others proving effective. While old PFAS-treated jackets are not considered highly dangerous, experts recommend using them sparingly and disposing of them responsibly to minimize environmental contamination.
Consumers can look for Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certifications to ensure their gear is PFAS-free. Experts emphasize that maintaining and reusing existing gear is an environmentally responsible choice, as the biggest concern with PFAS-treated clothing is disposal, which can lead to water contamination.
Sauder Schelkopf is actively investigating potential legal claims on behalf of consumers impacted by the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—in cookware and other consumer goods. PFAS have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and fertility issues.
Know Your Rights
Consumers may have legal options to seek compensation for exposure to these chemicals. If you or a loved one have suffered health issues or believe you have been misled about the safety of products containing PFAS, we encourage you to contact us.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also selected our attorneys as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
We Want to Hear from You
Consumers may have legal options to seek compensation for exposure to these chemicals. If you or a loved one have suffered health issues or believe you have been misled about the safety of products containing PFAS, we encourage you to contact us.