"Forever Pollutants” Put Europe on Alert

European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall has revealed the results of a blood test she took over the summer to raise awareness of the dangers posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever pollutants'. "I am no exception. The results show that I do indeed have PFAS in my blood, particularly products that are toxic to reproductive health,” Roswall told a press conference on the state of nature in Europe.

• Substances found in the commissioner's blood

According to her team, Roswall tested positive for six of the 13 types of PFAS analyzed. Three of these exceed recommended health thresholds and are considered toxic to reproduction. Experts warn that the problem is widespread: these substances are already found in the bodies of many Europeans, accumulating over time due to their widespread use.

• What are PFAS and why are they dangerous

PFAS are a family of extremely persistent synthetic chemical compounds that take tens or even hundreds of years to break down in the environment. They are used in everyday products - from textiles, food packaging, kitchen utensils and cosmetics to industrial equipment - for their non-stick, waterproof and heat-resistant properties. The health effects are not negligible: increased cholesterol levels, cancer risk, fertility problems and negative effects on fetal development.

• European Union plan

To limit the impact of these substances, the European Union intends to introduce, in 2026, a legislative proposal to ban PFAS in everyday consumer products, such as pizza boxes or clothing. However, certain exceptions would be kept for areas considered essential, such as medical.

The bill was originally scheduled for the end of 2025, but negotiations with manufacturers proved difficult and caused delays.

• Bureaucratic obstacles and pressure from industry

In addition to negotiations, the legislative process has also encountered internal barriers. The draft bill under preparation recently received a negative opinion from an internal EU body tasked with evaluating the impact studies that accompany laws. "This committee requested a review and strengthening of our analysis, which we are currently working on,” said Jessika Roswall, without confirming a change in the timetable.

• Environmental organizations call for urgent action

Environmental organizations are concerned about the delays. The group Generations Futures warned that the delays risked "putting the ambition of this review at risk”, already "on hold since 2022”. For the NGOs, each month of delay means the accumulation of new quantities of PFAS in the environment and in the human body, with long-term effects on public health.