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S 1504

An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 29 co-sponsors

S 1504 restricts PFAS chemicals in Massachusetts products and water supplies to reduce contamination exposure and protect public health from these persistent, bioaccumulative toxins.

Accompanied a new draft, see S3034
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Bill Summary · S 1504

Legislative bill overview

S 1504 seeks to protect Massachusetts public health by establishing regulations and restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." The bill addresses contamination concerns related to PFAS in drinking water, food packaging, and consumer products. Its primary focus appears to be limiting PFAS use in products and establishing testing/remediation standards for affected water supplies and communities.

Why is this important

PFAS chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and human bodies, accumulating over time and linked to serious health effects including liver damage, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and cancer. Massachusetts communities have experienced documented PFAS contamination in municipal water supplies, particularly near military bases and airports where firefighting foam was used, making this a concrete public health crisis affecting residents' drinking water safety and property values.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Manufacturers of products containing PFAS (food packaging, textiles, non-stick cookware) may face significant reformulation expenses and argue restrictions create competitive disadvantages or increase consumer costs
  • Regulatory scope and feasibility: Defining which PFAS are covered and setting enforceable limits requires scientific expertise; overly broad restrictions could be impractical while narrow ones may miss harmful variants
  • Federal vs. state authority: Unclear how Massachusetts regulations coordinate with EPA oversight; conflicting standards could create implementation confusion and jurisdictional disputes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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