EU - Intention to Restrict the Manufacture and Use of PFAS
Five European countries proposed to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market and use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted an intention regarding the restriction on manufacture and use of PFAS with the following structural formula: X-(-CF2-)n-X', where n ≥ 1 and X, X' not being H (hydrogen atom), i.e. any chemical with at least one perfluorinated methyl group (-CF3) or at least one perfluorinated methylene group (-CF2-), including branched fluoroalkyl groups and substances containing ether linkages, fluoropolymers and side chain fluroinated polymers.
All PFAS are, or ultimately transform into, persistent substances, leading to irreversible environmental exposure and accumulation. Due to their water solubility and mobility, contamination of surface, ground-, and drinking water and soil has occurred in the EU as well as globally and will continue. It has been proven very difficult and extremely costly to remove PFAS when released to the environment.
In addition, some PFAS have been documented as toxic and/or bioaccumulative substances, both with respect to human health as well as the environment.
Stakeholders are requested to provide relevant information to the Dossier submitters. If justified based on robust risk and socio-economic information, the Dossier submitters may propose derogations from the proposed restriction. The consultation period is from July 19, 2021 to October 17, 2021.
Expected date of dossier submission: July 15, 2022
Source Link:
Registry of restriction intentions until outcome