EU moves to phase out PFAS in firefighting foams

Brussels – The European Commission has adopted new measures restricting the use of so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in firefighting foams under the EU’s REACH Regulation.

The restriction aims to curb emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been widely used in firefighting foams but are known to persist in the environment and contaminate soil and water.

According to the Commission, firefighting foams have been “a major source of pollution in the EU.”

Without the new limits, it said, around 470 tonnes of PFAS would continue to be released into the environment each year, exposing both firefighters and communities to the chemicals.

The ban will formally enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal, followed by transition periods ranging from 12 months to 10 years, depending on the application.

The Commission said the phased approach was designed to give operators “sufficient time to smoothly transition” to PFAS-free alternatives, which it said are already available for most uses.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” do not degrade naturally and have been linked to soil and groundwater contamination, including drinking-water supplies.