What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of nearly 5,000 synthetic chemicals used to create products and coatings that resist heat, stains, grease, and water. They are commonly found in items such as frying pans, paints, and certain water-repellent clothing.
PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in humans, animals, soil, groundwater, surface water, and food. Studies suggest that 83–98% of human PFAS exposure comes from food, while 2–17% comes from drinking water, with inhalation also now recognised as a significant pathway.
What we want
Because they are difficult to remove from the environment, we believe PFAS must be addressed at the source, across the full lifecycle of products and taking into account the entire product lifecycle and applying strong precautionary and control-at-source measures.
Given their persistence, mobility, and the difficulty for water operators to remove them effectively, all uses of PFAS should be phased out as rapidly as possible. The ongoing REACH restriction, initiated by five EU Member States, must lead to zero PFAS emissions into the environment. Protecting water, public health, and ecosystems requires strong precautionary action and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Key positions and briefings
Our other priorities
Drinking water
From source to glass, we work to protect public health by implementing rigorous EU standards and a holistic ‘catchment-to-tap’ approach for safe drinking water.
Wastewater
Advancing sustainable wastewater management and circular solutions to protect public health and ensure our water resources remain clean for generations to come.