EU Chemical Agency backs PFAS ban

The European 'Chemicals Agency' on Thursday recommended a wide EU-wide prohibition on PFAS or "forever chemicals" with some?"exemptions," as policymakers prepare legally binding limits on substances posing a health risk that lingers in the environment.

The PFAS (perfluoroalkyl- and polyfluoroalkyl-substances) do not degrade in the environment. This raises concerns about the accumulation of these substances in drinking water, ecosystems and in human bodies.

Because they are resistant to extreme heat and corrosion, they can be found in thousands of products, including non-stick pans, cosmetics, aircraft, and wind turbines.

According to an opinion published by the?chemical Agency's Risk Assessment Committee on Thursday, it backed a EU-wide prohibition on the manufacture and sale of?PFAS.

If not controlled properly, PFAS can pose a risk to both people and the environment. A restriction across the EU is therefore an effective way to reduce these risks," said Roberto Scazzola, chair of the committee.

Companies are facing increased litigation risk due to research linking PFAS exposure with health issues, including liver damage and lower birthweight.

SOME EXEMPTIONS for ESSENTIAL USE?

The committee stated that if exemptions were deemed necessary the EU would also need to introduce stricter controls over PFAS pollution.

Earlier, EU Environment Chief?Jessika Rosswall told reporters that Brussels' planned PFAS banning included exemptions for 'essential' uses such as asthma inhalers or semiconductors used in e-cars.

In a draft of its opinion, a second ECHA committee that was assessing the potential socio-economic impacts of a 'PFAS ban' also supported a wide restriction with specific exemptions for products without PFAS alternatives.

After the ECHA draft opinions are finalised, Brussels will propose legally binding limits on PFAS.

According to the Nordic chemical agencies, industrial applications like plastics and 'electronics' production are responsible for the majority of PFAS utilisation.

U.S. lawsuits over water contamination have resulted in settlements of more than $11 Billion. Companies like 3M and Chemours Co. were involved. (Reporting and editing by Bernadettebaum; Kate Abnett)

(source: Reuters)