France has banned perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as "forever chemicals." This landmark decision was welcomed by the country's population, reflecting the general sentiment in the EU regarding the harmfulness of these substances.
The law is not as strong as it could have been. According to Euronews, environmentalists believe that it has been weakened by amendments and exceptions.
Why are "forever chemicals" cause for concern?
The PFAS group includes nearly 10,000 synthetic substances that take thousands of years to decompose naturally. Humankind has been using them since the 1940s. During this time, the chemicals have managed to penetrate everywhere, even into the bodies of deep-sea ocean animals.
The impact on living organisms is extremely negative. There is a link between PFAS and the development of cancer and autoimmune diseases, as well as infertility.
Bans and monitoring
The ban applies to the sale, production, and import of all PFAS products for which there is a safe alternative. The law covers clothing, cosmetics, and even ski wax.
The law also requires French authorities to test drinking water for polyfluoroalkyl substances. Polluters face fines.
The situation with water pollution by "forever chemicals" is indeed tense. These substances are currently found in drinking water in European communities with a population of 12.5 million people.
The anti-environmental lobby of French business
There are exceptions. In particular, the law does not restrict the circulation of high-performance filtration membranes and textiles, which have been identified as important for national sovereignty or essential use.
The ban also bypassed cookware with non-stick coatings. It is noteworthy that they were included in the first draft of the law, but disappeared from it due to active lobbying by the French company Tefal.
The company maintains that since 2012 it has stopped using PFAS and switched to cookware with PTFE coatings. Even this alternative is not entirely safe-as during cooking, these substances may release microplastic particles.
Stricter restrictions are needed
“The not-so-good news is that some essential items, such as kitchenware, were excluded. Now France needs to strongly support the pan-European restriction on PFAS to include more products and protect citizens across all member states,” said Sandra Bell from CHEM Trust.
The European Union still lacks a unified regulatory act banning “forever chemicals.” Officials state that a phase-out plan is being developed. This has been ongoing for several years. When the document will be presented remains unknown.
Earlier, EcoPolitic reported on a study that detected PFAS in the bodies of dolphins and whales.
