The European Commission restricts the use of "eternal pollutants"

The fight against pollution is expanding and taking place on all levels. The European Commission has adopted new measures to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid ("PFHxA") and PFHxA-related substances. These subgroups of perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances (called "eternal pollutants" - PFAS) are very persistent and mobile in water, and their use in certain products presents an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment. "The restriction will ban the use of this chemical forever, for example in consumer textiles, pizza boxes and some cosmetics. EU rules allow us to restrict harmful substances when there are safe alternatives. For the benefit of all consumers and for an ecological transformation of our society," said the vice-president of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager. The PFHxA restriction will prohibit the sale and use of PFHxA in consumer textiles such as raincoats; food packaging such as pizza boxes; consumer mixes such as waterproof sprays; cosmetic products such as skin care products; and in some firefighting foam applications, such as training and testing, without compromising safety. This does not affect other applications of PFHxA, for example in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen. The restriction on PFHxA is officially applied 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. This will effectively come into force after transition periods ranging from 18 months to 5 years, depending on use, allowing time for replacement with safer alternatives. PFAS are called "eternal pollutants" because they do not break down in the natural environment. Used in many industrial processes and in many consumer products, PFAS require special attention, given the large number of cases of soil and water contamination, including drinking water.