A report from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released today recommends that the European Union (EU) significantly restrict the so-called “forever pollutants,” with “specific” exceptions, highlighting the growing risks of these substances to the population.
Perfluoroal kyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS in English) are designated as “forever chemicals” because they take a very long time to degrade, accumulating in the environment and in the human body.
Used by industry for their non-stick properties, water repellency, or heat resistance, PFAS are found in many everyday products, from cosmetics and cookware to packaging and waterproof clothing.
The ban would target the use of PFAS in common consumer products, such as clothing or pizza boxes, with exceptions for strategic sectors, such as medicine.
To that end, the European Commission must first obtain two opinions from ECHA, which were released today, and an assessment of the socio-economic impact of PFAS measures, expected by the end of the year, according to the French news agency AFP.
In this initial report, the experts state that PFAS are “harmful” and pose “increasing risks” to both the population and the environment.
These substances “persist for a long time in the environment, travel long distances and contaminate groundwater and soil,” and “some of them cause serious health problems, such as cancers and reproductive disorders,” notes the Helsinki-based agency.
They insist that, to control the risks, new EU-wide regulatory measures are needed, recommending a “broad restriction” of PFAS, with “specific exemptions” when there is no alternative.
The ECHA report was well received by environmental organizations, which have criticized the EU for delays in legislating, claiming pressure from industry lobbyists, AFP reports.
The EU Environment Commissioner, Jessika Roswall, also welcomed the experts’ stance.
“We support the transition toward the gradual elimination of forever pollutants. As always, any new regulation must be simple in principle and offer certainty, clarity, and predictability to both consumers and businesses,” she declared, underscoring that “a single market approach must be guaranteed to avoid national fragmentation.”
According to a report published at the end of January, PFAS could cost Europe between €330 billion and €1.7 trillion by 2050, depending on the extent of measures needed to decontaminate soil and water and the cost of protecting European health.
