The European Chemicals Agency on Thursday proposed a wide-ranging ban on PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” across the European Union, while allowing certain exemptions as policymakers work toward setting legally binding limits on substances that pose long-term health and environmental risks.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are highly persistent chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment. This durability has raised serious concerns about their buildup in ecosystems, drinking water, and even within the human body over time.
PFAS are used in thousands of products, ranging from cosmetics and non-stick cookware to aircraft and wind turbines, mainly because of their ability to resist extreme heat and corrosion.
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The European Chemicals Agency’s risk assessment committee has supported a European Union–wide ban on the production, sale, and use of PFAS, according to an opinion released on Thursday.
“PFAS can cause risks to people and environment if not properly controlled. An EU-wide restriction is, therefore, an effective measure to reduce these risks,” committee chair Roberto Scazzola said in a statement.
Studies connecting PFAS exposure to health problems—such as liver damage, reduced birth weight, and testicular cancer have increased legal risks for companies.
The committee stated that if exemptions are considered necessary, the European Union should also implement stricter measures to control PFAS pollution. Previously, EU environment chief Jessika Roswall told Reuters that the proposed ban would allow exceptions for “essential” uses, such as asthma inhalers and semiconductors used in electric vehicles.
A second committee within the European Chemicals Agency, which is evaluating the socio-economic impact of a potential ban, indicated in a draft opinion that it also supports a broad restriction, with specific exemptions for products where no viable alternatives to PFAS exist.
These opinions will help shape an upcoming EU legal proposal, as Brussels moves toward introducing binding restrictions once the second committee finalizes its draft by the end of the year.
According to data from Nordic countries’ chemicals agencies, industrial sectors such as plastics and electronics manufacturing account for the majority of PFAS usage.
