PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made molecules known as “forever chemicals” by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety due to their stability and difficulty in breaking down in the environment. There are thousands of different PFAS compounds, and many industries use these pollutants, including resource extraction, chemistry, electronics, food processing, construction, medical, cosmetics, and weaponry. A report from the OECD highlights the presence of PFAS in over 90% of food packaging, despite the availability of healthier alternatives.
Some industries are responsible for releasing PFAS into the environment, such as observed at Arkema and Daikin factories in the “Chemical Valley” near Lyon. However, assessing the health risks posed by each PFAS compound can take decades. As a result, there is a call for PFAS to be managed as a single chemical class due to their persistence and demonstrated or potential risks to human health and the environment. This request aligns with several EU health agencies and the proposal to restrict the use of PFAS by industries submitted by five European states, including Germany, to the European Chemicals Agency.
During a meeting of the sustainable development commission held on March 27th, discussions focused on the distinction between “non-polymers” (such as PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid) and “polymers” (such as PTFE – polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon, used in kitchen utensils). The goal of proposed amendments to the bill is to exclude polymers from the ban on PFAS as requested by industrial stakeholders. They argue that large polymers like PTFE are harmless to the body, citing a misleading reinterpretation of the OECD’s position on polymers, despite conflicting scientific studies on the matter.
These positions contradict scientific studies on the subject, as highlighted in a scientific policy evaluation published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology in 2020, and the scientific journal Environmental Science. Processes & Impacts. The European Food Safety Authority has also issued alerts regarding the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure. Despite this, the debate continues regarding the regulation and restriction of PFAS usage, particularly in industrial processes where alternatives may exist to minimize environmental and health impacts.
Efforts to address the issue of PFAS pollution have led to legal challenges and calls for urgent action. The government of Lyon has initiated legal action against major chemical companies in the region, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of PFAS disposal. Ultimately, the goal is to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of these persistent pollutants, and continued scientific research and advocacy efforts can help to drive policy changes and industry practices towards safer alternatives. The public awareness and engagement are crucial in shaping a more sustainable future free from the dangers of forever chemicals like PFAS.
