The European Union is advancing plans to ban harmful forever chemicals in consumer products as part of its efforts to combat plastic and chemical pollution. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are currently used in thousands of day-to-day items, from non-stick cookware to cosmetics.
The European Commission is planning to propose a ban on the use of PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, in consumer products due to their persistent environmental and health impacts, which range from liver damage, reduced birth weights, testicular cancer, thyroid disorders, and decreased vaccine responses in humans to widespread ecological issues.
Speaking about the incoming proposal to Reuters, EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said, “What we know we are looking for is a ban in consumer products… This is something that is important for us human beings, of course, but also for the environment, but I think also for the industry so they know how they can phase out PFAS.”
Roswall went on to admit that the proposal is not likely to be finalised before 2026 at best, while acknowledging that there would almost certainly be some exemptions.
Read more: Terrifying scale of forever chemicals across Europe revealed in new PFAS mapping project
PFAS are used in numerous household items due to their resistance to heat and corrosion, but their gradual breakdown is leading to a buildup of these dangerous forever chemicals in groundwater, surface water, and soil, allowing them to enter the food chain and pose health risks to humans and animals alike.
The French government has acknowledged the severity of PFAS-related risks and is actively implementing measures to limit their use. Recognising the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment, France is taking steps to address their impact on ecosystems and public health.
See more: France addresses concerns about PFAs, the forever chemicals that are threatening all lifeforms
Meanwhile, in the United States, the health risks associated with PFAS have already resulted in significant legal consequences. Lawsuits over contamination have led to settlements exceeding $11 billion from major companies such as 3M and Chemours, according to Reuters, and European companies could soon face similar litigation.
In comments made to Reuters, Hélène Duguy, a French lawyer with the environmental law firm ClientEarth, warned of a potential “wave” of lawsuits targeting pollution or the downplaying of PFAS’s environmental and health impacts.
“ClientEarth is closely monitoring companies’ conduct on PFAS and will not shy away from action,” she said.
Global efforts
In 2022, over 170 nations, including Monaco, agreed to create a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution by 2024 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). However, negotiations during the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee session in November 2024 failed to finalise the treaty due to disagreements on production limits and financial responsibilities. Consequently, negotiations are set to resume in 2025.]
Ongoing environmental initiatives
The issue of plastic pollution, including the impact of persistent chemicals like PFAS, has been a focal point in various environmental initiatives.
For instance, during Monaco Ocean Week 2023, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) presented a report titled ‘The Mediterranean: Mare Plasticum’, focusing on the severity of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
Additionally, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been actively involved in combating plastic pollution. The foundation launched the BeMed project in 2015 to address this pressing issue.
Read related:
Monaco Ocean Week: World-first report into life cycle of plastics delivers shocking results
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