Danish PFAS ban leads the way for the EU

PFAS chemicals have been a hot topic in the EU for some time, but no EU-wide ban has materialized. However Denmark has taken a major step forward, banning PFAS in items such as clothing, shoes and waterproofing agents. Below, two IVL experts comment on PFAS bans.

An important event that had a huge effect on Denmark happened in the town of Korsør, when grazing cows ingested harmful amounts of PFAS. This was probably decisive in Denmark's swift action, as it provided a concrete example of how vulnerable groundwater is. The result was increased political pressure throughout Denmark, says Linda Önnby, environmental chemist at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

Her colleague, chemicals expert Patrik Andersson, agrees, emphasizing the danger of PFAS spreading to groundwater:

Denmark is a very strong agricultural country, and highly reliant on its groundwater as a source of drinking water. In recent years, many studies have shown steadily increasing levels of the PFAS substance TFA, which can spread in water, but also in food, where in particular wine has been highlighted.

More countries set to ban

France has also adopted ambitious legislation restricting PFAS in certain products. Canada, New Zealand and certain US states plan to impose bans. However Sweden has not yet introduced a ban at national level.

Experiences from Denmark shows that early and bold national decisions can drive development and innovation faster than simply waiting for decisions at EU level, says Linda Önnby.

Sweden has been involved in promoting a comprehensive legislative proposal within the EU, together with Denmark, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. The scientific committees of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently evaluating the proposal. In Sweden, the Swedish Chemicals Agency has been a driving force in the phasing out of PFAS use, with a focus on regulation at EU level.

I have great confidence in the Swedish Chemicals Agency as an authority, and they have been a driving force in the proposal to restrict PFAS. However it's important to be aware that PFAS has many applications and therefore strong commercial stakeholders, says Patrik Andersson.

The PFAS substance TFA, or trifluoroacetic acid, has been singled out as a particularly important part of the PFAS problem, because its levels are rapidly increasing in the environment, it is highly mobile, and it can enter the groundwater.

TFA is of particular interest because it's formed as a degradation product of certain pesticides, which links the chemical issue directly to food supply and drinking water. Since TFA has many uses, it's especiallt important that the EU takes the lead and leads the way, says Linda Önnby.

Hopes for EU regulation

Reaching global agreements is difficult, as demonstrated by the recently stalled plastic agreement negotiations. However, both Patrik Andersson and Linda Önnby hope that an agreement at EU level is within reach.

The PFAS issue is serious and important, and very rapid action is needed, including strict regulations. I hope that the EU will take the lead and that the legislative changes will generate initiatives to develop new chemicals and methods as alternatives to PFAS. As for TFA, we know that the substance is highly mobile and rapidly increasing in concentration, which should lead to rapid changes in legislation at EU level, says Patrik Andersson.

Read more about IVL's work with chemicals and PFAS.

For more information, contact:
Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@ivl.se, tel. +46 (0)10-7886874
Linda Önnby, linda.onnby@ivl.se, tel. +46 (0)10-7886529