States Lead on Chemical Safety as PFAS Protections Take Effect in 2026

New state laws and regulations provide public health protections for over 62 million people

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In 2026, at least 15 major state laws and regulations addressing toxic chemicals and plastics are taking effect, providing new public health protections to more than 62 million people. At the same time, 33 states are expected to consider at least 275 policies addressing these issues. This reflects a growing shift toward health-first, prevention-based policy and demonstrates how state leadership is reshaping national markets.

Why it matters

These new state-level protections are crucial as Congress considers industry-backed proposals that would weaken federal chemical safety regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). State action is filling the gap and putting health first, giving businesses clear rules for moving toward safer alternatives.

The details

The 15 policies taking effect in 2026 include broad restrictions on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in consumer products, first-in-the-nation bans on entire chemical classes like bisphenols, stronger disclosure requirements for PFAS in products, and new limits on toxic chemicals in cosmetics, textiles, furniture, and children's products. Many of these laws regulate chemical classes rather than addressing one chemical at a time, driving supply chain changes and product reformulation beyond state borders.

  • In 2026, at least 15 major state laws and regulations are taking effect.
  • In 2026, 33 states are expected to consider at least 275 policies addressing toxic chemicals and plastics.

The players

Safer States

A national alliance of environmental health organizations and coalitions working to safeguard people and the planet from toxic chemicals and ensure availability of safer solutions.

Sarah Doll

The national director of Safer States.

Jeanine Nicholson

The former fire chief at San Francisco Fire Department.

June Speakman

A Rhode Island State Representative.

Cheri Peele

The director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future.

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What they’re saying

“The protections taking effect this year show what strong, health-centered leadership can achieve and why state action is as important as ever.”

— Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States

“When states act to put these protections in place, phase out these chemicals, and prevent exposure in the first place, they are putting health first. That kind of leadership protects firefighters, our families, and the communities we serve.”

— Jeanine Nicholson, former fire chief at San Francisco Fire Department

“These policies put health first and give businesses clear rules for moving toward safer alternatives.”

— June Speakman, Rhode Island State Representative

“When state standards change, national supply chains often change too. By setting clear, health-based standards on PFAS, bisphenols, and other toxic chemicals, states are driving safer products nationwide, not just within their state borders.”

— Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This wave of state-level action on toxic chemicals and plastics demonstrates the importance of health-centered, prevention-based policymaking, especially as federal protections face potential rollbacks. State leadership is reshaping national markets and driving safer products nationwide.