EU PROPOSES BAN ON PFAS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS

GS2 – GOVERNANCE

Overview

The European Commission has proposed banning PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in consumer products due to environmental and health risks. These substances persist in the environment and human body, prompting calls for strict regulations.

What Are PFAS?

• Definition: Synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil.
• Applications: Found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and industrial products.
• Challenges: Extremely stable, making them durable but environmentally harmful as they do not decompose.

Health and Environmental Risks

• PFAS contaminate water, soil, and air, accumulating in ecosystems and human tissues.
• Linked to health issues like liver damage, lower birth weights, and certain cancers.

Exemptions in the Ban

• Certain industrial uses, such as asthma inhalers and components for green technologies like EVs, may be exempt.
• Disposal methods for exempted applications will be evaluated to minimize environmental impact.

Industry Concerns

• Sectors like automotive, clean energy, and plastics have expressed concerns about potential exemptions.
• The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing feedback from stakeholders.

Legal and Financial Implications

• Rising PFAS awareness has spurred litigation, with U.S. settlements exceeding $11 billion for water contamination.
• European companies may face similar lawsuits as scrutiny of PFAS pollution grows.

International Support

• Nations like Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden back a broad ban, emphasizing the need for robust regulations to protect health and the environment.

Next Steps

• Final decisions on the proposal are expected next year.
• Discussions will focus on phasing out non-essential PFAS applications and identifying essential uses.
• The outcome will significantly impact industries reliant on these chemicals.