BERLIN: The European Union (EU) has announced that it will postpone the vote on phasing out the use of “forever chemicals” until 2025, as the bloc seeks to regulate these substances known as PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
PFAS chemicals are widely utilized in various industries but have been linked to long-term environmental hazards and health issues such as cancer and liver damage.
The decision to delay the vote came after Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Germany submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency in March, urging the reduction of PFAS emissions and the implementation of safer practices in product manufacturing.
EU Members Agree to Phase Out PFAS’s Use
While all member countries agree on the need to phase out the PFAS’s use in many applications, an EU official stated in a briefing to journalists on Friday that thorough analysis and consultation with scientists, industry representatives, and stakeholders are necessary before implementing any restrictions.
The process of examining which substances can be banned and assessing the socioeconomic implications will extend into this year and the next.
The urgency to address PFAS contamination is underscored by an estimated 17,000 sites in Europe currently affected by these chemicals. Officials expressed concerns about contamination in areas where children play and where drinking water is compromised, emphasizing the need for action to safeguard public health.
The complexity of the issue and the presence of PFAS in critical sectors of the energy transition, such as electrolysers and semiconductors, will be taken into account during the consultation process, according to the EU official. Derogations for specific applications may be granted if they can be adequately controlled and no alternatives exist.
