The evidence of the harms of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) to health are stacking up, but the regulation of these "forever chemicals" has not caught up with the scientific data. State and local governments can act now on PFAS through PFAS-free purchasing. In 2021, Michigan became the first and currently only state to issue an executive order for such a policy.
Government policies committing to going PFAS-free in purchasing help educate the public, support markets for PFAS-free products, and put pressure on other governmental entities to act as well. Typical commercial products that governments purchase that may contain PFAS include furniture, flooring, and paint already have available PFAS-free alternatives.
Local Government Policy:
Three Massachusetts municipalities have already passed policy resolutions. If you'd like to help your local government do this, email celeste.venolia@sierraclub.org to collaborate with the Sierra Club MA Toxics team on this campaign.
Brookline's PFAS resolution (2023) - an example for a town
Newton's PFAS resolution (2024) & Press Release - a city example
Middleborough's PFAS resolution (2025)
Generic PFAS resolution text to be modified for any community
General PFAS-free Purchasing Resources:
Massachusetts PFAS Action Toolkit
San Francisco webpage for green products & services that meet San Francisco's health & environmental requirements.
State Executive Order Advocacy:
Coalition letter calling on the Healey Administration to pass an Executive Order committing the Executive offices to PFAS free purchasing.
Example Executive Order provided to the Healey Administration