U.S. California DTSC Adopts Carpets and Rugs that contain PFAS as Priority Product

SafeGuardSSoftlinesSeptember 07, 2021

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) adopted carpets and rugs containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a Priority Product effective July 1, 2021, under the state’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program.

Businesses in California that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or assemble carpets and rugs containing PFAS have until August 30, 2021 to provide DTSC a Priority Product Notification (PPN) and will need to submit additional analyses and one of the documents listed below by December 28, 2021.

a Chemical Removal Intent/Confirmation Notification
a Product Removal Intent/Confirmation Notification
a Product-Chemical Replacement Intent/Confirmation Notification, or
a Preliminary Alternative Analysis Report

DTSC identified carpets and rugs as a major source of PFAS because of their widespread use in treating carpets, rugs and other home textiles for water, stain, and oil resistance. The regulation specifically applies to all consumer products containing PFAS made from natural or synthetic fabric intended to be used as a floor covering inside commercial or residential buildings, including carpeted door mats. There are also a number of exceptions under the regulation, which include carpets and rugs intended solely for outdoor use, use inside airplanes, trains, ships or vehicles, resilient floor coverings, artificial turf, wall hangings and coverings, table mats, and camping sleeping mats.

DTSC states that most consumers in California can be exposed to PFAS in their carpeted homes, offices, buildings, stores and classrooms, establishing the potential to contribute to or cause significant adverse health impacts, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, liver damage, developmental & reproductive harm, and immunosuppression.

References

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. Our internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. We help your company ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. Discover more at www.sgs.com/softlines.

For inquiries, please contact:

Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
t: +1 973 461 7919

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