Increasing Bans or Restrictions on PFAS Materials
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PFAS chemicals, due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, are subject to increasing bans and restrictions in several regions globally.
These bans and restrictions reflect growing global concern over the environmental and health impacts of PFAS chemicals. Many countries are moving towards limiting or banning their use in consumer goods, firefighting foams, and industrial applications​. The momentum for PFAS bans is likely to grow, especially as more evidence emerges about the health risks and persistence of these chemicals. By the end of the decade, many countries and regions could have strict prohibitions in place, with an emphasis on finding safer alternatives.
Here are some notable areas where PFAS chemicals are banned or restricted:
European Union
In February 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a comprehensive ban on all PFAS under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) framework. This could lead to a ban covering over 10,000 PFAS compounds used in various industries, including textiles, firefighting foams, and food packaging. Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden: These countries have been pushing for stronger regulations within the EU, and Denmark has already implemented a national ban on the use of PFAS in food packaging materials.
Canada
The Canadian government has proposed restrictions on certain PFAS, including prohibitions on the manufacture, import, and use of specific PFAS compounds in products like firefighting foams.
United Kingdom
The UK government is working to regulate and phase out PFAS, following the EU's lead, particularly focusing on banning PFAS in firefighting foams and consumer products.
United States
While the U.S. doesn't have a federal ban, several states have implemented restrictions: California, Maine, and Washington: These states have enacted bans on PFAS in certain products, including food packaging and firefighting foams. Maine: From 2023, Maine requires manufacturers to report products containing PFAS, with a ban on the sale of PFAS-containing products set to take effect in 2030, unless manufacturers can prove that no safer alternative exists.
Australia
Queensland: The state banned the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams in 2019, with other states like South Australia and New South Wales also phasing out their use.