Grandstands
Solving one of the biggest pollution problems of our time is something we owe to future generations.
I have seen firsthand the impact of PFAS contamination on human health, as well as the environmental damage and economic loss it causes.
These “forever” chemicals remain in soil, water, air, the wild, and our bodies.
Solving one of the biggest pollution problems of our time is something we owe to future generations. We must also provide our companies with certainty and predictability about how to use PFAS in the safest form possible.
It is a political priority of the European Commission and a personal priority for me.
We work exactly with this goal in mind. The use of PFAS in industrial production and consumer goods is widespread. Thanks to its high resistance, it can be used in many critical sectors and industrial applications.
No, they are also used in cases where safer, more suitable and commercially viable alternatives exist.
Milagros Marcos, representative of the PP, with the European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessica Roswall, in Congress.
We estimate that there are 100,000 sources of PFAS emissions in Europe. The cost of cleaning up contaminated sites is enormous, but the cost of inaction against future contamination is even greater.
Many people are concerned about the levels of PFAS found in our water, our environment and our bodies. I am one of them.
Last year, authorities in the Low Countries revealed that all their populations have different types of PFAS in their blood. There is no reason to believe that the situation is very different elsewhere.
The good news is that the Commission and my Member States have taken action in recent years. Some known sources of PFAS contamination have been banned.
However, we need a more structured and systematic focus that effectively addresses this issue and provides companies with regulatory certainty and predictability.
At the same time, we can stimulate innovation and support the transition to substitute other safer and more sustainable chemicals.
Adamas, We need strict regulations to control contamination.
“We support the transition away from ‘forever’ chemicals and will push for a ban on PFAS”
In response to requests from various states, the European Agenda de Sustancias y Mezclas Chemicals (ECHA) is working to expand PFAS restrictions and was able to publish its first scientific guidance. This year, ECHA will issue reliable definitive findings based on the latest available scientific data and progress, as well as the socio-economic consequences of potential restrictions.
The European Commission will support us to provide regulatory clarification once ECHA has completed its work.
We support the transition away from “forever” chemicals and will push for a ban on PFAS in consumer goods and industrial use where suitable alternatives exist.
As always, all new legislation must be simple in design and offer safety, clarity and predictability to consumers and businesses.
I also see new opportunities emerging. Many companies in the EU have taken the initiative to turn to free alternatives to PFAS.
We confirm this compromise. Clear European legislation would avoid a tangle of national regulations and help our companies become leaders in consumer trust, innovation and sustainable solutions.
Our aim is to support a competitive, innovative and safe internal market where businesses can thrive and consumers must ensure that human health and the environment are protected.
*** Jessika Roswall is Commissioner for Medio Ambiente, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy.
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