While New Jersey has a long history of addressing PFAS contamination, setting stricter drinking water standards, and holding polluters accountable, the state has taken action on PFAS to a whole new level.
New Jersey’s legal victory in May 2025 against DuPont and 3M will require them to pay $2 billion and $450 million, respectively, for PFAS mitigation – i.e. site cleanup, water monitoring and treatment, and environmental restoration. This is the largest settlement a state has ever won!
If we are to turn off PFAS’ cycle of harm to our bodies and environment, it is critical that we stop putting PFAS in our products. New Jersey is taking action on Forever Chemicals through legislation, specifically S3946/A5195, S3669/A4767, and A5260. Passing these bills before the end of NJ’s legislative session (or January 2025) is the next imperative.
S3946/A5195 – Prohibiting PFAS in firefighting turnout gear.
- Immediately after passage, producers must send a written notice to any purchaser of the turnout gear, alerting them of PFAS in their equipment. Two years after the effective date, all clothing that is classified as turnout gear must be certified “Forever Chemical Free” by testing through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Non-clothing apparatuses, meaning masks or communication technology, will be added to the ban on January 1st, 2032.
- S3946 is sponsored by Senator Greenstein. A5195 is sponsored by Assemblymen Miller, Schaer, Calabrese, and Assemblywoman Peterpaul, Esq. In June 2025, passed the NJ Assembly by a vote of 70-6. It now awaits action in the NJ Senate.
S3669/A4767 – Prohibiting/limiting PFAS in menstrual products.
- This bill limits PFAS in any product manufactured for the purpose of catching menstruation and vaginal discharge, including but not limited to a tampon, sanitary pad, disc, menstrual cup, and underwear. What does this limitation look like? The definition is classified as 100 parts per million (ppm) or .01%. The products will be tested in laboratories designated by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This act will go into effect 25 months (2 years and 1 month) after its signing into law.
- S3669 is sponsored by Senator Ruiz and Greenstein. A4767 is sponsored by Assemblywomen Swain, Haider, and Hall. In June 2025, passed the NJ Assembly by a vote of 78-0. It now awaits action in the NJ Senate.
A5260 – Prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain apparel containing intentionally added PFAS.
- This bill defines apparel as all clothing except for personal protective equipment (PPE) or clothing items made for exclusive use by the United States military. As a written penalty, any business that is found to have sold, distributed, or manufactured said apparel with PFAS will be charged no more than $10,000 for the first offense and no more than $20,000 for the second. It will take effect immediately after being signed into law.
- A5260 is sponsored by Assemblywoman Ramirez and Assemblyman Sampson IV. In June 2025, passed the NJ Assembly by a vote of 55-19. It now awaits action in the NJ Senate.
You can help pass this suite of PFAS banning bills. It is simple.