How Does Minnesota's PFAS Ban Impact Fishing Line, Outdoor Gear?

As of January 1, 2025, a new Minnesota law bans a whole bunch of consumer products in categories that spans from cookware and cosmetics to certain outdoor supplies.

The new law is part of Minnesota's overall effort to remove PFAS from everyday life and reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

PFAS, which is short for perfluoroalkyl / polyfluoroalkyl substances, are also referred to as "forever chemicals". They've been linked to a number of different health issues including things like reduced immune function, increased cholesterol levels, reproductive problems, and increased risk of certain types of cancer.

The new law specifically identifies 11 different categories of products that can no longer be sold in Minnesota with intentionally added PFAS.

These chemicals are in a wide range of products that touch many parts of our lives, including fishing and outdoor products. Does this new law banning certain products containing PFAS in Minnesota impact any outdoor supplies?

PFAS And Fishing In Minnesota

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has identified a number of outdoor supply items like fishing line and coatings for water-repellant clothing as containing PFAS as part of a massive list that touches many elements of day-to-day life.

Monofilament fishing line along with varieties of raincoats, waders, and waterproof footwear are among the categories of outdoors products that use PFAS.

Furthermore, the EPA has identified a number of popular fishing waterways in Minnesota that have high levels of PFAS, which can lead to ingesting these chemicals if you eat the fish you catch.

All of this stands as a reminder of how far-reaching these chemicals are, even in something designed to be simple and to enjoy nature.

Are things like monofilament fishing line now banned in Minnesota?

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The new law specifically bans products in certain categories, not every single product that contains PFAS. It is part of a long-range effort to reign in the PFAS problem with a phased approach.

Broadly speaking, fishing line is not specifically banned overall as part of one of the 11 categories mentioned in this particular law, though the phased approach to getting rid of PFAS could see a future law ban them. That said, some fishing products could still be impacted.

"Fabric treatments" are a category identified by the new law, and explained by the MPCA. While that is the case, it specifically bans treatments you'd apply to a fabric that contain PFAS. This means that the current law does not impact things you'd buy as an already-treated product (like rain gear). That said, there is a future prohibition on the books that is slated for a later date for pre-treated fabrics.

The only category identified by the 2025 Minnesota law that could impact outdoors supplies is the category "juvenile products".

The law says that any products containing intentionally added PFAS that are designed or marketed for use by anyone under the age of 12 are prohibited for sale and distribution starting in 2025.

Interpreting this line in the law, this means that things like youth water-resistant products like rain gear or fishing rods sold with monofilament fishing line specifically for kids (you know, like that Snoopy fishing rod) could be grouped in with this.

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Normal outdoor products made for adults or the general public are not specifically mentioned in the 2025 law, though there are some things related to your various outdoor adventures that are mentioned in the law.

What outdoors products are now banned under the new Minnesota law?

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One specific item listed in the new law is ski wax, which has obvious impacts for those who ski.

Otherwise, cookware is a category specifically identified. Frying pans with nonstick treatments like Teflon are a key example of cookware that contain PFAS now banned by the new law.

These Common Household Are Now Banned In Minnesota

A hot topic lately is PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years. These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can cause significant health issues even at low exposure levels

PFAS are commonly found in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns including increased cholesterol levels, potential disruption of hormone systems, reduced immune function, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and reproductive problems, particularly in pregnant women.

On January 1, 2024, Minnesota prohibited PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. The state is taking an even more aggressive stance against the chemicals in 2025.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the first prohibitions of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) are now in effect in Minnesota, meaning you can no longer legally purchase these items.

If you're wondering if you already have products with intentionally added PFAS, you can take the following steps to be sure:

Check the label - Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
Check for keywords - Look for words like "waterproof," "stain-repellent," or "dirt-repellant" on the tag.
Check for ingredients - Avoid products that contain ingredients with "perfluoro" or "fluoro" in their name.
Use a third-party verification service - Some organizations offer third-party verification of products that claim to be made without PFAS.

As of January 1, 2025, you can no longer purchase products with intentionally added PFAS in Minnesota. These products fall under the 11 categories below.

Gallery Credit: David Drew