PFA’S and the green transition – How can we strike a balance?

Per- and poly-fluoroaklyl substances (PFAS) are resilient organic compounds rich in fluorine, often dubbed ‘forever chemicals’. The EU’s chemicals strategy aims to phase out non-essential PFAS use, potentially banning around 10,000 PFAS substances. However, concerns have arisen within industries, suggesting a blanket ban could disrupt essential technologies and lack solid scientific support.

In this Euractiv Virtual Conference, we explore the impacts of a broad PFAS ban on industries and discuss potential alternatives. Key questions include:

• Assessing health and environmental risks of PFAS and mitigation strategies.
• Anticipated consequences for industries in the case of a comprehensive PFAS ban.
• Approaches for a more balanced PFAS classification through robust scientific risk assessment.
• Implications of a PFAS ban on international trade and competition.