The level of environmental pollution with so-called "forever chemicals" – PFAS – in the EU is steadily increasing and could cost the bloc approximately €440 billion by 2050.
This was reported by the European Commission, citing the results of a new study on the financial impact of pollution from these substances.
What are PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a huge group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and everyday life since the 1940s. Due to their incredible stability, they have been called "forever chemicals": they hardly decompose in the natural environment and can accumulate in the human body.
The secret of PFAS's strength lies in the chemical bond between carbon and fluorine atoms. This is one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. Thanks to this bond, the substances become resistant to water, grease, high temperatures, and sunlight.
PFAS are added to non-stick coatings, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, and fire extinguishing agents.
What dangers do "forever chemicals" pose?
These substances cause illness in humans, and contaminated water or soil requires costly remediation. In addition, PFAS can disrupt important natural processes, such as pollination.
According to scientists, since these chemicals remain in the human body and the environment for decades, even after emissions have ceased, it is extremely important to take action at an early stage to reduce long-term health and environmental costs.
The study also identified the population groups that are most vulnerable to PFAS contamination:
- newborns;
- children;
- citizens living near contaminated areas;
- people working in contaminated areas.
How much Europe will have to spend extra due to pollution
Researchers estimate that if current levels of PFAS pollution in Europe continue until 2050 without regulatory measures, the costs for this period will reach approximately €440 billion. Combating PFAS emissions at source by 2040 would save €110 billion. However, cleaning up contaminated water alone would cost more than €1 trillion.
The scientists noted that they estimated the health costs of only a few of the thousands of existing PFAS substances subject to regulation. Therefore, the figures given are a limited estimate, and the actual costs will be much higher.
In light of the results of this study, the European Commission has committed to taking the necessary measures to protect particularly vulnerable groups of the population. At the same time, officials have promised not to "tighten the screws" on industry and to ensure a balanced approach to bans until alternatives to PFAS are implemented in key sectors.
As a reminder, since January 12 this year, all EU countries have been required to systematically monitor PFAS concentrations in drinking water and report any incidents or deviations.
