Pollution by per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever chemicals’, could cost the European Union around €440 billion by 2050 if current levels of contamination continue without regulatory action, according to a study commissioned by the European Commission and published on Thursday 29 January.
These persistent chemical substances, which are used in textiles, food packaging and fire-fighting foams, have proven effects on human health and the environment, generating significant costs for society, the report points out.
Depending on the scenarios used, the cost assessment of PFAS pollution range from €330 billion to €1,700 billion by 2050.
The estimated health costs relate only to a limited number of currently regulated PFASs, out of the thousands in existence, which suggests a much greater real impact.
According to the authors, reducing PFAS emissions at source by 2040 would save around €110 billion, while the cost of treating contaminated water alone could exceed €1,000 billion. Because of their persistence, PFAS remain present for decades in the human body and in the environment, even after emissions have stopped.
The populations identified as most at risk are newborns, children, people living near contaminated sites and site workers.
“Providing clarity on PFAS with bans for consumer uses is a top priority for both citizens and businesses”, said European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, stressing that this study “underlines the urgency to act”. The report’s conclusions (https://aeur.eu/f/kgs ) will contribute to the debate on pollution control and emissions reduction.
Contaminated apples. An analysis of 59 apple samples from 13 European countries reveals that apples are almost systematically contaminated with pesticide residues, according to a study (https://aeur.eu/f/kgr ) published on Thursday by PAN Europe. Nearly 85% of apples contain pesticide ‘cocktails’. Only 7% of the apples analysed were free of residues. 64% contained at least one PFAS pesticide and 36% a neurotoxic pesticide. Over 70% contained substances classified as among the most toxic by the EU. The fungicide fludioxonil, detected in almost 40% of samples, is a PFAS classified as an endocrine disruptor. According to PAN Europe, several substances should have been banned long ago. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)