31 Jan 2024

NZ a step closer to banning 'forever chemicals'

From Afternoons, 1:35 pm on 31 January 2024

New Zealand is about to become one of the world leaders in banning harmful chemicals in cosmetic products.

The Environmental Protection Authority, or EPA, announced yesterday that from December 31st 2026 they will ban per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances from use in these products.

PFAS's are often called 'forever chemicals' as they take a long time to break down and can become toxic at high levels, damaging both the environment and consumers.

Melanie Kah, associate professor for the School of Environment at the University of Auckland speaks to Jesse.

Shelves with skin and hair care products in a cosmetic store

Shelves with skin and hair care products in a cosmetic store. Photo: 123RF

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