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By April Day, Publishing Consultant at Save the Water™ | July 18, 2026
Edited by Rory Dickinson, Publishing Associate: Editor at Save the Water™
People now call per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, the “forever chemicals”. That is because they last a really long time in the environment and humans. As a result of this, governments are regulating these chemicals. This year will see some changes. For example, France banned these chemicals in cosmetics effective January 1, 2026. The United States will also see changes in restricting these chemicals.
The most studied forever chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) . Current studies suggest links between exposure to these chemicals and a number of health problems. These health problems include:
As a result of these links, governments are trying to better regulate these chemicals.
People have made forever chemicals since the 1930s. Since then, PFOA and PFOS have been used in such day to day objects as non-stick pans and water-resistant clothes. Industry is continuing to try to meet people’s needs. In fact, industry is developing newer types of these chemicals.
Some of these newer chemicals are called short-chain PFAS, such as perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). Recent scientific literature also links health problems with other PFAS, including:
While there are many more PFAS, scientists have studied these specific chemicals.
In 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency restricted maximum levels of these newer PFAS in drinking water. However, in 2026, the US EPA proposes to take back that regulation and is seeking public comments until July 20 related to that proposed action. In other words, there may be no, the same, or stricter restrictions on level of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX) and PFBS.
This proposed action is only a small part of a larger PFAS approach the US EPA is taking in recent years.
Companies in the United States face uncertainty as different states have started regulating, restricting, and banning certain forever chemicals and certain uses, such as in clothing, to be permitted in their states. This increases companies’ need to monitor PFAS throughout production.
In 2026, at least 11 states are requiring disclosures, restricting, or banning certain uses of forever chemicals taking effect in 2026. Other regulations are on the books in 2026 but won’t go into effect until 2027. These add costs to companies’ ability to sell these chemicals to consumers. Depending on the regulation, companies may have to find other ways to produce certain items to sell to the consumer.
These regulations also protect humans and waterways.
States regulating or restricting PFAS include:
The states’ approaches show how democracy can protect people through solutions like disclosure, selective restrictions, reporting requirements, phase-out of harmful chemicals, and other measures.
Save the Water™ is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to conduct research to identify and remove harmful contaminants in water and to raise public awareness about water contamination and its health impacts.
