EU plans ban on 'forever chemicals' in consumer products

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Reuters

January 20, 2025 6:03 AM EST Updated 37 min ago


BRUSSELS, Jan 20 (Reuters) - 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 told Reuters.

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."

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/eu-plans-ban-forever-chemicals-consumer-products-2025-01-20/

[Owl]

1. Good!

[StarryNite]

2. Good for them and their people and lands.

Don't expect it to happen here anytime soon.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. But if there are any cosmetic companies here in the U.S.

actually making and exporting product (and I would guess mostly smaller boutique types as the biggies are probably manufactured outside of the U.S.), I would think that would apply to them, and their products would be banned in the EU.

[EarthFirst]

3. Meanwhile in the United States.... nt

[et tu]

5. i'd like to phone a friend...

eu can you help us here????