EU-wide PFAS Ban in Firefighting Foams Warranted
22 June
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published details of the proposed EU-wide ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams.
The proposed ban is based on a scientific assessment that found that PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. They have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders.
The ban would apply to all PFAS-based firefighting foams, including those that are currently in use. It would also prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of these foams in the EU.
The proposed ban is a significant step towards protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by PFAS. It is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in 2023.
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