CHEMICALS OF CONCERN: ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF VERMONT S. 25 ON HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMY

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and health concerns posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and various other chemical families commonly found in consumer products. Vermont State S. 25 seeks to address these concerns; if passed, it would prohibit the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of cosmetic, menstrual, textile, and athletic turf products that include 14 chemical groups known to have adverse effects. In anticipation of the Vermont State House's upcoming vote, we assessed how S. 25 would affect Vermont's environmental health, human health, and economic landscapes, and how the new regulations would disproportionately affect communities of color and vulnerable populations. To answer these questions, we utilized four methodologies: (1) an analysis of existing research on the impact of the chemicals of concern on environmental health, human health, and businesses; (2) case studies of states and regions that have previously passed comparable bills to Vermont S. 25; (3) case studies of extant alternatives to chemical of concern products; and (4) interviews with experts on the chemicals of concern. Ultimately, we synthesized the results into this comprehensive report for the Vermont House of Representatives.