Uncovering the persistent issue of persistent pollutants: a focus on forever chemicals
In the European Union and Australia, regulatory efforts to restrict the use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are gaining momentum, with the EU poised to adopt broad restrictions and Australia already implementing specific bans.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently reviewing a comprehensive restriction proposal for over 10,000 PFAS substances under the REACH regulation. The proposal considers phased restrictions, potential exemptions, and alternatives, with a decision expected in 2025 after completing scientific and socio-economic evaluations. The EU is scrutinising PFAS use sector-by-sector, including healthcare, electronics, and transport, with healthcare professionals advocating for a full ban including medical applications.
In Australia, an official ban on the manufacture, import, export, and use of three specific PFAS chemicals - PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS - came into effect on July 1, 2025, under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). The ban is enforced nationally, with some exemptions for unintentional trace contaminants and legacy products. Australian states like New South Wales are implementing these rules locally and working with stakeholders on phased compliance.
Other regions, such as the United States, are also moving towards stricter regulation, albeit not as swiftly. For instance, the Trump administration pulled nearly $15 million in research into PFAS contamination of farmland, and the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to rescind drinking water limits for four forever chemicals.
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are used in various products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, smartphones, hair conditioners, fire-fighting foam, pacemakers, pesticides, and dental floss. They don't readily degrade and tend to migrate, resulting in their presence in places like blood, human breast milk, Antarctica, wild animals, tap water, and soil. An analysis found that nearly all rivers, lakes, and ponds in England exceed proposed safety limits, with 85% containing levels at least five times higher.
Internal documents from 3M Co. and DuPont de Nemours Inc. revealed that the companies knew PFAS were accumulating in people and showing signs of toxicity for decades without disclosing this information. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to increased risk of various types of cancer, fertility problems, birth complications, delays to puberty, weakened immune systems, increased cholesterol levels, and kidney problems. Health-care costs related to PFAS exposure are estimated to be at least €52 billion annually by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
As the world grapples with the health and environmental implications of PFAS, it's clear that comprehensive and swift action is necessary. While a universal worldwide ban does not yet exist, the EU and Australia are leading the charge towards stricter regulation, with the EU ban expected to take a precautionary approach, regulating all 10,000-plus PFAS as a group rather than individually.
References: [1] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - Comprehensive restriction proposal for PFAS [2] Australian Government - Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) [3] The Guardian - EU to ban thousands of PFAS chemicals linked to cancer and water pollution [4] New South Wales Environment Protection Authority - PFAS Management in NSW
- The European Union, in light of scientific findings linking Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) to medical-conditions such as cancer, fertility problems, and kidney problems, is presenting a comprehensive restriction proposal, setting the stage for a potential ban on PFAS in environmental-science sectors like healthcare, electronics, and transport.
- In addition to European efforts, Australia has already imposed specific bans on the use of three specific PFAS chemicals, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS, and is working towards phased compliance, recognizing their detrimental impact on wildlife health and wild animal populations, as well as the environment.
- Meanwhile, the health and wellness sector can't ignore the financial implications of PFAS exposure, with estimated annual healthcare costs reaching €52 billion, according to the Nordic Council of Ministers. As more regions, including the EU and Australia, adopt stricter regulations toward PFAS, it's crucial for the world to collaborate on addressing this pressing environmental and health issue collectively.
