PFAS are commonly found in mascara and many other cosmetics.
The Guardian reported on January 31 that the New Zealand Environment Protection Agency said it would ban permanent chemicals in cosmetics from 2027, likely becoming the first country to apply this ban.
Forever chemicals like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, known as PFAS, are commonly found in nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick and mascara, helping products stay durable, blendable and water-resistant.
They are a group of about 14,000 chemicals commonly used to create products that are resistant to water, stains, and heat, known as "forever chemicals" because they are virtually indestructible.
Because they are virtually non-biodegradable, they accumulate in the body and studies have linked them to cancer, infertility and environmental damage.
These chemicals have been detected in drinking water sources, sea sponges, rainwater and groundwater, sea ice, and human blood.
"Our concern is that they do not break down in the body or the environment. When they accumulate, they are linked to a range of harmful effects, including some cancers and hormonal problems," AFP quoted Shaun Presow, an expert at the New Zealand Environment Protection Agency.
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The New Zealand cosmetics industry has until December 31, 2026, to phase out the use of these chemicals. New Zealand will also ban the use of FPAS in fire-fighting foams from December 2025.
Several US states have policies to protect people from PFAS, and the European Union is considering banning these forever chemicals.
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