PFAS chemicals are under criticism; they can be harmful to nature and health. The EU Commission is restricting the use of a subgroup. This affects products that everyone knows.
The European Commission is restricting the use of a subgroup of so-called PFAS chemicals. “We are removing harmful substances from products that citizens use every day, such as textiles, cosmetics and food packaging,” said European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. This includes rain vests, pizza boxes, waterproofing sprays and skin care products.
PFAS chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are substances that do not break down in the natural environment and can be harmful to human health and the environment. They are also called forever chemicals.
The restriction is said to target so-called undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and PFHxA-related substances, which are very persistent and “whose use in certain products poses an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment,” the Commission explained. Semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen are to be exempted from the measure. The new restrictions are to come into force next month and will take effect after transition periods of between 18 months and five years.
Source: Stern
