Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has welcomed a recommendation for the EU to introduce a broad ban on ‘Forever Chemicals’ or PFAS.’
The Dublin MEP said:
“Toxic forever chemicals are polluting our soils and waters across Europe. They are causing huge health impacts for local communities. The public cost of cleaning up PFAS pollution will reach into the billions.
“After years of deliberation and research, the EU’s experts have ruled that an EU-wide ban on all PFAS is not only achievable, but that it is the best response to the hazards posed by PFAS pollution.”
“A few steps remain before the finalisation of one of the two reports, including a public consultation. Once both reports have been finalised, the European Commission is obliged to put forward a legislative proposal based on the experts’ conclusions.
“The ball is in the Commission’s court now”, said Boylan.
“For months, Von der Leyen’s ‘deregulation Commission’ has been saying that any PFAS ban should be limited only to certain consumer goods. Now their own experts say that the only sensible policy option is a much broader ban.
“It would be unacceptable for the Commission to kick the can further down the road or ignore the experts’ advice.
“The experts do foresee transition periods and exemptions for certain essential uses like medical devices.
“These transition periods and exemptions should be as limited as possible and should be adapted as new substitutes for PFAS become available.
“Today’s reports show that the only safe direction of travel is to eliminate PFAS pollution.”
