The European Commission wants to ban PFAS – “forever chemicals” – in consumer products, with exemptions for essential industrial uses, although the agency admits this could take a while to happen.
PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, do not break down in the environment, raising concerns about the consequences of them building up in ecosystems, drinking water and the human body, and with growing evidence of links to serious health issues.
They are used in thousands of items, from cosmetics and non-stick pans to aircraft and wind turbines, due to their resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.
“What we know we are looking for is a ban in consumer products,” EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall told Reuters.
“This is important for us human beings, also for the environment, but also for the industry so they know how they can phase out PFAS.”
Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden backed a broad ban on PFAS almost two years ago yet Roswall said the EU’s proposal is not likely to happen before next year at the earliest, as “essential” exemptions are determined.
Asthma inhalers and semiconductors used in green technologies like electric vehicles are some of the potential “essential” uses, she noted, though these too will face restrictions, including on how they are disposed of.
Industrial applications such as plastics and electronics production account for most PFAS use, according to data from Nordic countries’ chemicals agencies.
Work by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to assess the scope of the ban has drawn thousands of comments, from, among others, trade associations representing the car, clean energy and plastics sectors, seeking exemptions such as one for fluoropolymers, a PFAS used in everything from waterproof clothes to solar photovoltaic cells.
Litigation
Research linking PFAS exposure to health issues – including liver damage, lower birth weights and testicular cancer – is also raising litigation risks for companies, with US lawsuits having yielded settlements worth more than $11bn and involving companies like 3M and Chemours Co over contamination of water.
Companies in Europe could also face a wave of litigation over pollution or for downplaying environmental and health harms, said Hélène Duguy, a lawyer at environmental law firm ClientEarth, which is closely monitoring companies’ conduct on PFAS “and will not shy away from action”.
Reuters article – EU plans ban on 'forever chemicals' in consumer products (Open access)
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PFAS chemicals passing through the placenta into the foetus
Plastics found in placentas as US bans ‘forever chemicals’ in food wrappings
Stringent EPA limits for ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water