#Belgium has highest levels of #PFAS chemical #pollution in Europe, study reveals

Major mapping project reveals PFAS have been found at high levels at thousands of sites across Europe. EURACTIV’s media partner, The Guardian, reports.

By Leana Hosea and Rachel Salvidge, Feb 24, 2023

"Pollutants known as 'forever chemicals', which don’t break down in the environment, build up in the body and may be toxic, have been found at high levels at thousands of sites across the UK and Europe, a major mapping project has revealed.

"The map shows that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of about 10,000 chemicals valued for their non-stick and detergent properties, have made their way into water, soils and sediments from a wide range of consumer products, firefighting foams, waste and industrial processes.

"Two PFAS have been linked to an array of health problems. PFOA has been connected with kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol and pregnancy-induced hypertension. PFOS has been associated with reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and thyroid disease. At lower levels PFAS have been associated with immunotoxicity.

"The substances have been found at about 17,000 sites across the #UK and #Europe. Of these, PFAS have been detected at high concentrations of more than 1,000 nanograms a litre of water at about 640 sites, and above 10,000ng/l at 300 locations."

#PFOS #PFNA, #PFHxS, #PFB #GenXChemicals
#PFOA #WaterIsLife #Toxic #pollution #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon

Read more:
https://www.euractiv.com/section/chemicals/news/belgium-has-highest-levels-of-pfas-chemical-pollution-in-europe-study-reveals/

EU considers ban on 'forever chemicals', urges search for alternatives

By Ludwig Burger, February 7, 2023

• Proposed ban to grant grace periods between 18 mths and 12 yrs
• Non-degradable PFAS found as far as "rain water in Tibet"
• Ban could take effect in 2026 or 2027
• Industry group warns some key products could be "eliminated"
• Further reviews will involve ECHA, EU commission, member states

"The chemicals have been used in tens of thousands of products, including cars, textiles, medical gear, wind mills and non-stick pans due to their long-term resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.

"But #PFAS have also been linked to health risks like cancer, hormonal dysfunction and a weakened immune system as well as #environmental damage."

#PFOS #PFNA, #PFHxS, #PFB #GenXChemicals
#PFOA #WaterIsLife #Toxic #pollution #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/eu-considers-ban-forever-chemicals-urges-search-alternatives-2023-02-07/