A scientific report on persistent pollutants (PFAS) recommended on Thursday a “broad restriction” by the European Union, with “targeted exceptions”, of these chemical substances found in many everyday objects. The report highlights increasing risks for the population, “such as cancers and reproductive disorders.”
The highly anticipated scientific report on persistent pollutants (PFAS) recommends this Thursday, March 26, a “broad restriction” by the European Union, with “targeted exceptions”, of these chemical substances found in many everyday objects, pointing out the increasing risks for the population.
Used for their non-stick, waterproofing properties, or heat resistance, PFAS are omnipresent in everyday products, from cosmetics to kitchen utensils, packaging, or waterproof clothing…
These chemical substances take a long time to decompose, hence their nickname of “persistent pollutants.”
“Growing risks” for the population and the environment
The European Commission would like to ban them in everyday consumer products, such as clothing or pizza boxes, with exceptions for strategic sectors, in the medical field for example.
But Brussels needs two opinions from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) beforehand, the scientific report released this Thursday and a socio-economic impact assessment of anti-PFAS measures expected by the end of the year.
In the first opinion, experts conclude that PFAS are “harmful” and pose “increasing risks” for the population and the environment. These substances “persist in the environment for a long time, travel long distances, contaminate groundwater and soils, while some of them cause serious health problems, such as cancer and reproductive disorders,” notes the Helsinki-based Agency.
Total ban, exemptions?
In order to “control these risks”, new regulatory measures at the scale of the European Union are therefore necessary, insists the Agency. Experts recommend a “large restriction” of PFAS, with “targeted exemptions” when there is no alternative. But how far should the ban go? This is the subject of a showdown between industry and environmental organizations.
Within the European Chemicals Agency, there are conflicting opinions. For scientific experts, a total ban on PFAS would be the most effective way to minimize their impact, while exemptions would result in “additional emissions” and “uncontrolled risks.”
But in the absence of alternatives to persistent pollutants in several areas, a general ban would “likely not be proportionate,” nuance their colleagues responsible for analyzing the socio-economic impact of anti-persistent pollutant measures.
On this course of action, scientists therefore recommend minimizing risks, thanks to clear labeling of PFAS on products benefiting from exemptions and specific management plans for each industrial site.
Sectoral measures
Awaiting the future law, the European Union has already taken action against certain PFAS in a sectoral manner. In drinking water, a directive has required since January a maximum threshold of 0.1 micrograms per liter for the combined concentration of 20 PFAS (including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS) considered “worrying for water intended for human consumption.”
MEPs have also taken steps on food packaging with maximum concentrations of PFAS starting in August, or on toys, where persistent pollutants and endocrine disruptors will be banned by 2030.
France, on its part, has taken the lead on certain everyday products. Since January 1, a law has prohibited the use of certain PFAS in clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and ski waxes, with some exemptions.
“Difficult discussions”
In Brussels, environmental organizations reproach the European Union for being slow to act, under pressure from industrial lobbies. European Commissioner Jessika Roswall acknowledged “difficult discussions” for products that are not directly targeted at consumers.
On Thursday, she welcomed the first opinion of European experts. “We support the transition to abandon persistent pollutants. As always, any new regulation must be designed with a focus on simplicity and offer security, clarity, and predictability to both consumers and businesses.”
According to a report published at the end of January, PFAS will cost Europe a lot, from 330 billion to 1.7 trillion euros by 2050, depending on the extent of measures to decontaminate soils and water and the cost to preserve the health of Europeans.
