European Union plans to ban PFAS additives [World News]

What are PFAS?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as ‘perennial chemicals’. They are used in many everyday products, such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, cleaning products, toilet paper or waterproof clothing. These compounds are extremely resistant to decomposition, even at extreme temperatures and under corrosive conditions, which is why they are also used in wind turbines and aircraft, for example.

The durability of the compounds is both an asset and a potential risk. There are increasing concerns about the persistence of PFAS in the environment and their accumulation in e.g. drinking water, as well as possible risks to human health, such as cancer, liver damage, infertility or endocrine disruption. Lawsuits related to PFAS pollution are on the rise worldwide, particularly in the USA. In the US, settlements in such cases have already reached amounts in excess of $11 billion.

Banning PFAS in the EU

The European Commission intends to propose a ban on PFAS in consumer products, with some exceptions for essential industrial uses (components for electric vehicles and wind turbines, inhalers for asthma sufferers). However, even these applications will be subject to strict recycling and disposal regulations. The aim of the ban is to protect the health of citizens and the environment. Work on its implementation has been ongoing for about two years, and support has already been expressed by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, among others. The full ban is not expected to enter into force until next year at the earliest, once consultations have been completed and detailed guidelines have been established.