How to tackle the PFAS pollution issue

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are among the most persistent and widespread pollutants threatening human health and the environment in Europe. Used in thousands of industrial applications and everyday products, these chemicals accumulate in the environment and our bodies, posing serious health risks and generating enormous societal costs. With contamination already widespread and large-scale remediation proving increasingly unfeasible, preventing further pollution is essential. This briefing examines the shortcomings of the EU’s current approach and calls for an ambitious, universal restriction on PFAS, effective action to address existing contamination, and the consistent application of the polluter-pays principle to ensure that those responsible bear the costs of pollution.