Are PFAS chemicals banned in Europe?

The EU has decided to ban 200 PFAS substances in phases, starting February 2023. This is the first time the EU has imposed a ban on several chemicals of similar structure and properties all at once, which hopefully paves the way for more group bans.

Is PFOA still used in Europe?

Annex I entry for PFOS was amended in 2020 to remove exemptions no longer needed in the EU. In addition, the Stockholm Convention regulates the global elimination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds. PFOA has been banned under the POPs Regulation since 4 July 2020.

Where are perfluorinated chemicals found?

PFCs have been found in rivers and lakes and in many types of animals on land and in the water. How people can be exposed to PFCs is as yet unclear. Some PFCs persist in the environment, and people are mostly likely exposed by consuming PFC-contaminated water or food.

Is PTFE legal in Europe?

PFOA, one of the most well-known substances of the PFAS family used in the process of making non-sticking cookware Teflon for several years, was internationally banned in 2019.

When did Europe ban PFAS?

4 July 2020
Globally regulated PFASs PFOA has been banned under the POPs Regulation since 4 July 2020. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and related compounds as well as perfluorinated carboxylic acids (C9-14 PFCAs) are being considered for inclusion in the Stockholm Convention and consequent global elimination.

What countries are PFAS banned in?

Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway formally announced the intention to submit a restriction proposal for PFAS to the European Chemicals Agency ECHA by 19 July 2022. A restriction proposal is a first step towards a European ban on PFAS.

How do I avoid PFAS UK?

What can I do to reduce my exposure?

  1. Eat less takeaways and packaging food.
  2. Avoid non-stick cookware.
  3. Avoid textiles (including clothing, carpets and furniture) with PFAS coatings.
  4. PFAS are sometimes present in cosmetics, so avoid products containing chemicals with “fluoro” or PTFE in their name.

Does Brita remove PFAS?

Although they reduce or remove many different chemicals from tap water, Brita filters do not remove PFAs. On its website, Brita says that their filters remove the taste and smell of chlorine, reduce zinc, copper, mercury, and some particulates.

Are PFAS used in UK?

The report identified that approximately 100 individual PFAS are supplied to the UK market in amounts greater than 1 tonne per year.

What are perfluorinated compounds used for?

Perfluorinated compounds are used ubiquitously: For example, fluorosurfactants are widely used in the production of teflon and related fluorinated polymers.

What are PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals)?

PFCs, also known as perfluorinated chemicals, have properties that represent a blend of fluorocarbons (containing only C-F and C-C bonds) and the parent functionalized organic species.

What is the difference between fluorosurfactants and perfluorinated compounds?

Fluorosurfactants are ubiquitously used in teflon, water resistant textiles and fire-fighting foam. A perfluorinated compound (PFC) is an organofluorine compound containing only carbon-fluorine bonds, C-C bonds and other heteroatoms (no C-H bonds).

Are c9-14 PFCAs (perfluorinated carboxylic acids) allowed in Europe?

Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (C9-14 PFCAs), their salts and precursors will be restricted in the EU/EEA from February 2023 onwards following a decision taken by the European Commission on a proposal by the German and Swedish authorities.