EU plans to push for "fluoride restriction order" to ban the use of PFAS substances in consumer products.

The European Union's Environment Commissioner stated that the European Commission plans to propose a ban on the use of PFAS in consumer products, also known as "forever chemicals", with necessary industrial uses exempted. It is understood that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) do not break down in the environment, raising concerns about their accumulation in ecosystems, drinking water, and human bodies. Due to their high heat resistance and corrosion resistance, PFAS are used in thousands of items, from cosmetics and non-stick cookware to airplanes and wind turbines. European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall stated in an interview, "We know that we are seeking a ban on consumer products." "Of course, this is important for us humans, for the environment, but I think also for the industry, so they know how to gradually phase out PFAS." In fact, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have already supported broad bans on PFAS in the past two years, but Roswall stated that due to the exemptions being determined as "necessary", the EU proposal is unlikely to reach a consensus before next year. She pointed out that asthma inhalers and semiconductors used in green technologies such as electric cars are some potential "necessary" uses, but these uses will also face restrictions, including how to dispose of them. According to data from the Nordic countries' chemicals agency, industrial applications such as plastics and electronic product manufacturing account for the majority of PFAS use. Industry strongly opposes The European Chemicals Agency's assessment of the ban's scope has attracted thousands of comments, including industry associations representing automotive, Clean Energy Fuels Corp., and plastics industries seeking exemptions, such as exemptions for fluorinated polymers, a type of PFAS used in all products from waterproof clothing to CECEP Solar Energy photovoltaic cells. When the PFAS ban was proposed two years ago, industries such as chipmakers warned the EU not to overregulate. A white paper on PFAS applications in the semiconductor industry released by the "Semiconductor PFAS Association" showed that various PFAS are used in many processes in the semiconductor supply chain, including the complex tools needed to manufacture chips, numerous process steps in wafer factories, and thousands of basic applications in assembly and packaging processes. "The broad scope of the PFAS restriction proposal threatens the semiconductor industry's access to chemicals crucial for production," said Mathias Mller, sustainability and environmental officer for the European Semiconductor Industry Association at the time. "Given the lack of alternatives, without exemptions, the European semiconductor industry will not be able to continue manufacturing in Europe." Last year, in response to the EU's regulation to stop using PFAS, 3M stopped production of related semiconductor coolants, leading to a supply shortage and price spikes for PFAS. PFAS lawsuits On the other hand, Jefferies analysts stated in a report this month that research linking PFAS exposure to health issues (including liver damage, lower birth weight, and testicular cancer) is increasing companies' litigation risks. In the United States, several companies including 3M and The Chemours have settled lawsuits related to water pollution, with settlement amounts exceeding $11 billion. Hlne Duguy, a lawyer at the environmental law firm ClientEarth, stated that European companies may face a series of lawsuits regarding pollution or downplaying the environmental and health hazards of PFAS. Duguy said, "ClientEarth is closely monitoring companies' actions regarding PFAS and will not hesitate to take action."