ECHA announces support for qualified restrictions on PFAS ‘forever chemicals’

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has taken a significant step toward stricter EU-wide controls on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.

Two scientific committees are backing a broad restriction while allowing for targeted exemptions. The move reflects growing concern over the long-term risks these “forever chemicals” pose to human health and the environment.

The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) took a harder line than the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), concerned by the link to serious health conditions, including cancer and reproductive harm.

"The final RAC opinion and scientific evidence is clear that PFAS can cause risks to people and the environment if not properly controlled,” said Chairman of RAC, Roberto Scazzola. “An EU-wide restriction is, therefore, an effective measure to reduce these risks. If derogations are allowed, RAC recommends measures to minimise PFAS emissions."

RAC emphasised that existing regulations are insufficient and called for stronger EU-wide measures. It also recommended that, if any exemptions are granted, they include emission monitoring, supply-chain communication, consumer labelling, and mandatory reporting of PFAS releases from industrial sites.

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) supported the overall restriction in its draft opinion, but it stressed the importance of proportionality. The committee were concerned that, as PFAS are widely used across industries, making a blanket ban potentially disruptive.

“The SEAC draft opinion supports a broad restriction on PFAS, while recognising the need for targeted derogations to keep the measure proportionate and workable,”... 

Share this article: