Clothes that intentionally use the chemical PFAS would be prohibited in New York going forward under legislation approved Tuesday in the state Assembly.

The measure backed by Assemblywoman Pat Fahy and state Sen. Brad Hoylman is the latest effort by lawmakers in New York to address PFAS used in manufacturing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked the substance to health problems like kidney, thyroid, prostate and testicular cancer, high cholesterol and liver disease. It is also believed to be a link to complications for pregnant women and developing fetuses. 

“When we buy clothing or other forms of common apparel, we assume that product is safe for our families,” Fahy said. “PFAS -- a dangerous and cancer-causing class of chemicals commonly used in everyday food packaging -- however, is anything but safe for New Yorkers."

PFAS has been used as a chemical in clothing apparel since the 1940s. State officials have in recent years already started to address the issue by expressing interest in clothing that is free of PFAS when developing purchasing standards.

New York officials in 2020 moved to reduce PFAS usage in the state by banning incineration of the substance as well as its use in food packaging.

The bill approved on Tuesday in the Assembly now heads to the state Senate for potential passage.