Prohibits the sale of medical adhesives and bandages containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits the sale of PFAS-containing medical adhesives and bandages in the state, pushing retailers and manufacturers to switch to PFAS-free products and cut consumer exposure.

PRINT NUMBER 7839A

Summary of S.7839/A.7839A — Prohibits the sale of medical adhesives and bandages containing PFAS

Status: Print Number 7839A
Introduced: May 9, 2025
Sponsor: Michelle Hinchey (primary); Cordell Cleare (cosponsor)
Committee actions: Referred to Environmental Conservation (5/9/2025); Amendments and recomments to Environmental Conservation on 6/9/2025; Print Number updated to 7839A (6/9/2025)
Related: A.10184 (prior-session); A.1430 (companion)

Overview and intent

S.7839/A.7839A aims to reduce consumer exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by prohibiting the sale of medical adhesives and bandages that contain PFAS. The core objective appears to be limiting PFAS-containing products in medical dressings used by the public, thereby addressing potential health and environmental concerns associated with PFAS.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

Prohibition on sale: The bill would bar the sale of medical adhesives and bandages that contain PFAS in the state. This focuses the prohibition on products used for medical or wound-care purposes.

PFAS-focused scope: The restriction specifically targets perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, illnesses or risks associated with PFAS exposure motivate the measure.

Definitions and coverage: The exact definitions of “medical adhesives,” “bandages,” and PFAS in the bill text are not provided in the materials you supplied. Final definitions would determine the precise scope (e.g., types of products, thresholds for PFAS presence, and whether exemptions exist).

Note: The available materials do not list penalties, enforcement mechanisms, labeling requirements, or timelines for compliance. Those elements are typically addressed in the full bill text or subsequent amendments.

Affected entities and impact

Retailers and distributors: Businesses selling medical adhesives and bandages would need to ensure their inventory complies with the prohibition.

Manufacturers and suppliers: Companies that produce PFAS-containing medical adhesives or bandages, or that supply components, would need to reformulate or substitute PFAS-free alternatives.

Consumers: Public health and safety could be improved by reduced PFAS exposure from common wound-care products.

State agencies: Environmental Conservation and related enforcement bodies would oversee compliance, enforcement, and penalties once specified.

Procedural and timeline context

Introduced May 9, 2025 and referred to Environmental Conservation.

On June 9, 2025, the bill was amended and recomitted; the version is now 7839A, indicating a revised draft.

The companion Assembly bill is A.1430 (and related A.10184 from prior session), signaling cross-chamber interest and potential alignment between Senate and Assembly versions.

What to watch next

Final text of S.7839A to confirm precise definitions, scope, and any exemptions.

Enforceable penalties and compliance timelines.

Any additional amendments proposed in committee or floor action.

How the companion Assembly bill (A.1430) aligns with the Senate version and potential enactment.

If you’d like, I can compare the current S.7839A text to its companion A.1430 to highlight any substantive differences.