EU set to ban 'forever chemicals' in consumer products but allow them for essential industrial uses

PFAS do not break down in the environment, raising concerns about the consequences of them building up in ecosystems, drinking water and the human body

PFAS are used in thousands of items, from cosmetics and non-stick pans to aircraft and wind turbines, due to their resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion. Picture: AP /Michael Probst

The European Commission intends to propose a ban on the use of PFAS, or "forever chemicals", in consumer products, with exemptions for essential industrial uses, the EU's environment chief has said.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, do not break down in the environment, raising concerns about the consequences of them building up in ecosystems, drinking water and the human body.

They are used in thousands of items, from cosmetics and non-stick pans to aircraft and wind turbines, due to their resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.

"What we know we are looking for is a ban in consumer products," EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall told Reuters in an interview.

"This is something that is important for us human beings, of course, but also for the environment, but I think also for the industry so they know how they can phase out PFAS."

Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden backed a broad ban on PFAS almost two years ago yet Ms Roswall said the EU's proposal was not likely to come together before next year at the earliest, as "essential" exemptions are determined.

Asthma inhalers and semiconductors used in green technologies such as electric vehicles are some of the potential "essential" uses, she noted, though these too will face restrictions, including on how they are disposed of.

Work by the European Chemicals Agency to assess the scope of the ban has drawn thousands of comments from, among others, trade associations representing the car, clean energy and plastics sectors, seeking exemptions.