06-07-2023: New research confirms: People in the Netherlands are ingesting too much PFAS
People in the Netherlands are ingesting too much PFAS through food and drinking water. New research by RIVM confirms this. However, the total quantity of PFAS is lower than previously calculated.
The quantity of PFAS that people in the Netherlands may be ingesting through food and drinking water exceeds the health-based guidance value. Below this value, no adverse health effects are expected. If people consume more PFAS than this value over a long period of time, it can be harmful to their health. They could become more susceptible to infections as a result. However, whether someone actually gets sick depends on several factors, such as lifestyle.
More information, or download the report.
7 February 2023: ECHA publishes details of proposed European PFAS ban
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the details of the proposed European PFAS ban on the production, use, sale and import of some 10,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The purpose of the ban is to keep PFAS out of the environment. The European Commission is expected to present the proposal to Member States formally in 2025. If passed, it would constitute one of the largest chemical substances bans ever in Europe. Read the news.
13 January 2023: Proposed European PFAS ban officially submitted
The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway took the first formal step towards a European ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by jointly submitting a restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The restriction proposal seeks a ban on both the use and production of PFAS in order to reduce the risks these substances pose to humans and the environment. If passed, it will constitute the largest substances ban ever in Europe. The ban will also be complex, as more than 10,000 different types of PFAS exist. These are used in a multitude of products. ECHA will publish the PFAS ban proposal on 7 February. Read the news.
23 February 2022: Ban on PFAS in firefighting foams
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed to ban the use of PFASs in firefighting foams in Europe. The proposal was made available on the ECHA website on 23 February and on 23 March a consultation on the proposal will start. This consultation will last for 6 months. Next, the two scientific committees RAC and SEAC will form their opinion on the proposal. The submission of the restriction dossier for PFASs in firefighting foams is an important step towards an European ban on PFASs.
The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are working together on a similar restriction dossier for all other uses of PFASs. This proposal will be submitted to ECHA in January 2023. This is six months later than originally planned, due to additional consultations and the extensive amount of data and studies collected.
Both proposed restrictions aim to prevent the use of this large group of substances that do not break down in the environment. The proposals are the input for European decision-making to restrict PFASs. See also the timeline.
15 December 2021: Publication of PFAS ban special
Our special magazine on the PFAS ban is published in English.
15 July 2021: Official start to ban PFAS in Europe
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.
Watch the video: European ban on PFAS
11 May 2020: Five European Member States launch call for evidence on broad PFAS restriction
The national authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark agreed to prepare a REACH restriction proposal with the aim to restrict the manufacture, the placing on the market and the use of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU (European Union ). The main rationale of this initiative is the very high persistence of these chemicals in the environment and the potential contamination of ground, surface and drinking water. The Member States have now launched a questionnaire to generate further information for the development of the Annex XV Restriction Dossier. This information will be used for the evaluation of the most appropriate restriction measures, as well as the scope and conditions of restriction option(s) to be considered within this dossier.
Companies producing or using PFAS, companies selling products (mixtures and articles) produced with these substances as well as companies using PFAS alternatives, scientists and NGO’s are invited to fill in the questionnaire before the end of July. We encourage all stakeholders to submit all relevant information regarding the properties and use of PFAS and possible alternatives, so the Member States will be able to make a well-underpinned restriction proposal. See also the question and answers on the PFAS restriction proposal.