Popular podcast host Joe Rogan has sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing legislation that would have banned cookware containing potentially harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan expressed frustration over Newsom’s decision to reject the bill that aimed to protect consumers from these persistent chemicals in household products.
“Newsom vetoed a California bill banning cookware with PFAS Forever Chemicals,” Rogan stated during his conversation. “The bill stops poison from going into human bodies… You f**king profit monster.”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in various products, including non-stick cookware, for their water and grease-resistant properties. These have raised health concerns because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or the human body, potentially accumulating over time.
Rogan and his guest discussed how these chemicals can potentially enter food when non-stick cookware is scratched with metal utensils. The vetoed legislation would have prohibited the sale of cookware containing these substances in California.
In his veto message, Newsom reportedly cited concerns about causing “sudden product shift” that would impact availability of cookware options. This explanation failed to satisfy Rogan, who characterized the decision as prioritizing profits over public health.
The podcast conversation also touched on similar regulations already existing in other countries. “They’re following them already in Canada,” Rogan’s guest Andrew Schulz pointed out, suggesting that manufacturers are already producing PFAS-free versions of their products for other markets.
Environmental and consumer advocacy groups have expressed disappointment with Newsom’s decision, vowing to continue pushing for restrictions on these chemicals in consumer products.
