What do frying pans, outdoor gear, stadium roofs, aircraft, pacemakers and heating pumps have in common? They are likely to contain per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Despite the wide variety of uses from household appliances to high-tech industry, until recently only a small and specialized community was familiar with this class of chemicals. This is now changing fundamentally.
PFAS-based materials have unique properties that make them essential for modern societies and economies. However, some PFAS compounds have been associated with harmful health effects. In light of this, the European Union is now contemplating a blanket ban for almost the entire substance class. At the same time, PFAS already present in the environment are seen increasingly critical and claims for compensation and remedial actions are being raised.
This poses major challenges for companies, entire industry sectors and not least regulators and environmental authorities. First, they need to deal with PFAS in the environment due to past emissions and uses which is now considered pollution and, second, they must adapt quickly to current and upcoming regulation.
If you want to know more find the full briefing here.
