In July, five EU member states, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden officially informed the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) of their intention to restrict the harmful, persistent group of chemicals PFAS. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances also known as the “forever chemicals” are a large family of very persistent chemicals that do not occur in nature. The decision of the five EU states is based on the long term consequences of the persistence and build up of PFAS in the environment, wildlife and in the human body.

The most studied chemicals of the group are known endocrine disruptors. They have been linked to thyroid disease, obesity, high cholesterol, reproductive issues and the development of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.  And as the most persistent synthetic chemicals to date, the impact from PFAS will last for generations and are practically irreversible.

The restriction the nations are proposing would ban the manufacturing of PFAS, their use in most applications and their placement on the EU market. CHEM Trust welcomes the restriction of PFAS and would like to see other parts of the world, including the UK, also bringing forward PFAS bans.

Read more about PFAS and what you can do to take action on our PFAS webpage.

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