EuChemS continues to closely follow developments regarding the European Commission’s actions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have raised significant environmental and public health concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential toxic effects. EuChemS, with its focus on sustainable chemistry, is engaging with the ongoing regulatory actions and exchanges that aim to mitigate the risks posed by PFAS while supporting informed and effective solutions.
The European Commission has been progressively strengthening its regulatory framework to address the risks associated with PFAS. This includes a combination of existing and new policies, regulations, and directives targeting the reduction of pollutants at their source. These measures range from the POPs Regulation and REACH restrictions to updates in the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation, all working to limit emissions across various sectors. Furthermore, the Commission has integrated PFAS concerns into other key regulations, such as the Drinking Water Directive, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and the Soil Monitoring Law, which are designed to track and limit environmental contamination.
The Commission’s step-by-step approach toward managing PFAS focuses on carefully assessing the need for restrictions and alternative solutions. Notably, the Commission has already implemented REACH restrictions on certain PFAS chemicals, such as perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). The next significant step is a proposed restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams, with a vote scheduled for the near future. However, the European Commission has acknowledged the challenges in replacing PFAS in some industrial applications, where alternatives are not yet viable. In these cases, the use of PFAS will continue until sustainable alternatives are developed, as a full ban could significantly impact industries and the economy.
EuChemS, as part of the broader scientific community, supports the Commission’s focus on a gradual and evidence-based approach to PFAS regulation. While the urgency to address PFAS contamination, particularly in water resources and human health, is clear, the European Commission has stressed the importance of relying on thorough scientific research and data from agencies such as the European Chemicals Agency. Premature regulatory actions without adequate data could lead to unintended consequences, and the Commission’s commitment to an evidence-based path remains central to its regulatory actions.
