A few years after nations including the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden had already imposed bans on PFAS chemicals, the European Union, through the European Commission, has now instituted a partial ban on these substances. According to a statement from the Commission, this prohibition focuses on a subclass of PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl compounds).
Undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and related compounds are the only ones that are officially prohibited. According to the statement, “the use of these chemicals in certain products poses a serious threat to human health and the environment because they are highly resistant and spread easily in water.”
Raincoats and other consumer textiles are often contaminated with PFHxA.Before the prohibition goes into full force, there will be a “transition period.” This term varies depending on the product, with food packaging, cosmetics, and apparel having a duration of one and a half to five years.
Another PFAS chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has already been outlawed, and PFHxA has been routinely used as a replacement. Because PFAS chemicals do not decompose naturally, they are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals.” Despite being a common ingredient in many products, they also significantly contribute to soil and water contamination.
