Prohibits the sale of playground surfacing materials that contain PFAS, PAHs or more than ninety parts per million of lead; and provides penalties for…

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic26
• Republican1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

Playgrounds are an essential part of childhood development. They offer a safe place for children to explore, enhance social, emotional, and phys- ical learning, develop social skills, exercise, and build relationships. Unfortunately, many playgrounds are made with toxic materials, including PFAS, which undermines the health and safety of children and can stymie development. This bill would prohibit manufacturers from including Per- and Polyfluo- rinated Substances (PFAS), lead, or Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in amounts that exceed levels established by the Department of Environmental Conservation as a component of playground surfacing mate- rials, Manufacturers are also prohibited from intentionally adding PFAS, lead, or PAHs to playground surfacing materials. All three of these substances are known to be harmful to humans, and the risk they pose to children is especially great. While there are many different kinds of PFAS, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), the most common and well-studied kind,'was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph Program as carcinogenic to humans. Similarly, there is evidence that exposure to PAHs may increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease among other illnesses, Lead is especially infa- mous for its irreversible harmful effects on children, causing increased antisocial behavior, lowered success in school, anemia, and other nega- tive health consequences. It is clear that children in New York should have as little exposure to lead, PFAS, and PAHs as possible. And yet too often, playground surfac- ing materials have been found to contain all three. By prohibiting these substances from being included in playground surfacing materials, impos- ing fines on individuals found in violation of this law, and requiring manufacturers of playground surfacing materials to provide certificates of compliance, this bill would make playgrounds in the state safer, protecting the health of the children of New York State. The bill has been amended to now apply to all playground material sold on or after December 31, 2027.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.