New Jersey moved closer to banning “forever chemicals” in menstrual products after the Senate Commerce Committee on Nov. 17 released a bill, S3669, for a vote on the Senate floor.
The legislation targets perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, chemicals that reduce leaks and increase stain resistance but linger in the environment. In recent years, manufacturers have added PFAS not only to disposable menstrual pads and tampons, but also to reusable underwear and cups that are marketed as environmentally friendly.
Background. PFAS can be found worldwide in nonstick pans, clothing and carpeting, paint and computer chips and electronics. They’re called forever chemicals because they break down slowly, if at all, and have been linked to negative health effects, including cancer, abnormal fetal development and weakened immunity.
Gov. Phil Murphy banned the sale, manufacture and use of PFAS in firefighting foam starting in January 2026.
In July his administration outlined a policy called “Forever No More,” which commits the Department of Environmental Protection to track the chemicals, sample sediment and wells for their presence and remediate contaminated sites.
Unusual Allies. The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Senators Teresa Ruiz of Newark and Linda Greenstein of Plainsboro, made allies of lobbyists who testified on behalf of businesses and the environment. Both sides often clash in legislative hearings, but this time they were “all agreeing, for once,” as Molly Cleary, representing Clean Ocean Action, told the panel.
“The fact that PFAS are in our waterways is nothing new,” Cleary said. “When we go to treat our water systems it would be a never-ending loop unless we take PFAS out of our products.”
Ed Waters testified in favor on behalf of the Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, a trade association for makers of disposables.
“The industry is removing PFAS and has for the most part removed PFAS out of these products,” he said.
A record settlement. New Jersey in May announced a settlement for as much as $450 million with The 3M Company, a PFAS manufacturer that will end production this year. The agreement, to resolve a 2019 lawsuit, marked New Jersey’s largest statewide settlement of forever chemical litigation.
At the hearing, Sen. Robert Singer, a Republican from Lakewood, explained his own stake as chairman of the Lakewood Municipal Utility Authority.
“We just spent $16 million to remove PFAS from our water system,” he said. The township also was awarded $1.3 million from the 3M settlement.
What’s next. The state Assembly in May approved its version of the bill. The full Senate will vote next, and if the legislation passes, it will be sent to Murphy for consideration.
Ileana Schirmer,
