In California, BCOT has been a voice for breast cancer survivors advocating
for breast cancer prevention in support of the following new laws:
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Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (AB 2762 - Muratsuchi)
Prohibits the sale of cosmetics that include any of 24 toxic chemicals (already banned in the EU) linked to breast cancer and reproductive harm, starting in 2025. Cosponsored by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), CalPIRG, Black Women for Wellness, Women’s Voices for the Earth, and Environmental Working Group.
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Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2020 (SB 312 - Leyva)
Requires companies selling beauty or personal care products in the state to report the presence of hazardous fragrance and flavor ingredients in their products to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Safe Cosmetics Program, which publishes this information on the state Safe Cosmetics Database (went into effect on January 1, 2022). Cosponsored by BCPP, California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, Black Women for Wellness, and Women’s Voices for the Earth.
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California PFAS-Free Cosmetic Act (AB 2771 - Friedman)
Bans the entire class of toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” (which are linked to breast cancer and numerous other health harms) from personal care and beauty products sold in California, beginning January 1, 2025. Cosponsored by BCPP, the Environmental Working Group, and CalPIRG.
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California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act (AB 1200 - Ting)
Bans the use of PFAS in paper and cardboard-based food packaging; requires manufacturers to disclose hazardous chemicals in cook and bakeware; and prohibits misleading advertising about unsafe chemicals on cookware packaging (effective January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024). Co-sponsored by BCPP, Center for Environmental Health, Clean Water Action, Environmental Working Group, and Natural Resources Defense Council.
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Safer Clothes and Textiles Act (AB 1817- Ting)
Bans the sale in California of clothes, outdoor gear, and other textiles containing PFAS (which is used to make textiles stain- and water-resistant), starting January 1, 2025. Co-sponsored by BCPP, Clean Water Action, and NRDC.
In Washington, D.C., BCOT members work with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, to support the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (funding innovative research where breast cancer advocates have input into grant making decisions), and the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, which would waive mandatory lengthy waiting periods before people with metastatic breast cancer can obtain SSI and Medicare benefits for which they already qualify.
