Plastic rocks on an isolated island
The sombre message of stones made of plastic found on an uninhabited island far from the Brazilian coast.
The end of PFAS is a step closer
14 February 2022
The Netherlands and four other European countries want a European ban on the use of PFAS. The countries have submitted a so-called restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). PFAS comprises a group of chemical substances that do not break down in the environment and that are linked to all sorts of illnesses. However, exceptions are what are considered essential or necessary uses.
Plastic Soup Foundation is happy about this development. In 2021 we called for a fast end to the use of all PFAS, with as few exceptions as possible. It was then already clear that a lot of plastic packaging and bottles were contaminated with toxic PFAS and that it is highly likely that large amounts of PFAS leaks into food, drinks, personal care products, medicines, cleaning agents and other items.
NORM FOR PFAS CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTED
PFAS, an abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, can be found everywhere, from rainproof clothing and lipstick to non-stick pans. The norm for PFAS had already been tightened by the European Food Safety Authority. Research showed that even very small quantities posed health risks such as damaging the immune system. Last year saw a ban on the use of PFAS in food packaging in the Netherlands.
3M CHEMICALS COMPANY STOPS PRODUCING PFAS
3M, the chemicals company that produces hundreds of products that use PFAS, announced that it will stop the production worldwide in 2025. In Belgium, years of discharging water into the harbour of Antwerp by the 3M factory has severely polluted the water. Companies that do not stop using PFAS will claim that PFAS is essential. The discussion will revolve around what are essential and necessary applications and whether there are alternatives.
Plastic Soup Foundation argues to limit the exceptions to the absolute minimum.
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