• PFAS ban: The European Commission is planning to ban PFAS in consumer products, with exemptions for essential industrial uses.
• Health Risks: PFAS exposure is linked to serious health problems, increasing litigation risks for companies.
• Exemptions under scrutiny: Industrial applications, including asthma inhalers and electric vehicle components, may be exempt from the ban, with restrictions on disposal.

The European Commission is set to propose a ban on PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in consumer products, targeting their widespread use in items like cosmetics, non-stick pans, and industrial applications.

Health and Environmental Impact:

PFAS, which do not degrade naturally, have raised significant environmental and health concerns. They accumulate in ecosystems, drinking water, and the human body, with studies linking exposure to liver damage, lower birth weights, and testicular cancer. Jefferies analysts warned that companies face growing litigation risks as research around PFAS’s health impact intensifies.

Related Article: Estée Lauder, SK chemicals Partner to use Recycled Materials in Packaging

Exemptions Under Review:

EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall confirmed the ban will primarily focus on consumer products but acknowledged that “essential” industrial uses, such as asthma inhalers and semiconductors for electric vehicles, may be exempt. These exemptions are still under discussion, with restrictions likely on disposal methods.

Industry Reaction:

The European Chemicals Agency has received thousands of comments from industry stakeholders, particularly those in the automotive, clean energy, and plastics sectors, seeking exemptions. These include demands to retain the use of fluoropolymers, a type of PFAS used in products like waterproof clothing and solar panels.

Legal Risks Ahead:

PFAS-related lawsuits have already cost companies in the U.S. over $11 billion in settlements. With increasing environmental and health concerns, European companies are now at risk of facing similar litigation. Hélène Duguy, a lawyer at ClientEarth, stated, “ClientEarth is closely monitoring companies’ conduct on PFAS and will not shy away from action.”

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