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The thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) contain carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry, making them resistant to degradation. The favourable physicochemical properties that make PFAS valuable for couBriefing - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Tackling 'forever' chemical pollution - 14-07-2026
The thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) contain carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry, making them resistant to degradation. The favourable physicochemical properties that make PFAS valuable for countless applications and products pose huge environmental challenges: PFAS are persistent. Due to their persistence and mobility, widespread use and resulting emissions, PFAS are now ubiquitous contaminants, polluting soil and water resources. Remediation is technically challenging and very costly. Human biomonitoring shows PFAS are omnipresent in populations, raising serious health concerns. Given the scale of contamination and remediation limitations, scientists and regulators deem pollution prevention, i.e. regulating PFAS at source, the most sustainable option. European Union (EU) legislation has increasingly covered PFAS, with decisive Parliament input. However, regulatory steps taken so far are fragmented and cannot effectively address PFAS risks. Due to the sheer number of PFAS, regulating them individually is impractical and inadequate. The EU chemicals strategy for sustainability committed to regulate PFAS as a group. The European Chemicals Agency is assessing a wide-ranging restriction proposal (targeted ban) under the EU Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) that covers some 10 000 compounds. At stake are the need to protect citizens' health and preserve essential natural resources; the technical and economic challenges for businesses; Europe's need to catch up on innovation; and PFAS risks for investors and insurers. The European Chemicals Agency is expected to transmit its final opinion to the European Commission by the end of 2026. Parliament will scrutinise the Commission's draft restriction. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP Read more
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