Once unknown, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now among the most pressing environmental crises. These “forever chemicals” are ubiquitous—from remote ecosystems to human tissues.
France has taken a major step in regulating PFAS, joining a growing list of countries pushing for stricter controls. A new law adopted on the 20th February 2025 aims to curb the use of these persistent pollutants, addressing contamination risks and protecting public health. But what exactly are PFAS, and why are they so concerning?
The Science Behind PFAS
PFAS are a large group of more than 10,000 man-made chemicals that have been used in industries and consumer products since the 1940s. Their most notable feature is that they are extremely persistent, due to their carbon-fluorine bounds, which are the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This persistence, which maklqe them useful for manufacturing, also causes them to resist natural breakdown, remaining in the environment for hundreds of years.
Adding to the problem, PFAS are highly mobile, detected in rainwater from Tibet to groundwater in industrialized nations. Short-chain and ultrashort-chain PFAS, such as TFA, are particularly troubling due to their ability to infiltrate living cells and bypass most filtration systems.
An investigation by Le Monde and 17 other media identified more than 17,000 contaminated sites across Europe. More than 2,100 of these sites were classified as “hot spots” with pollution levels considered hazardous to human health.
The Devasting Impact of PFAS
Studies have linked exposure to PFAS to severe health conditions, including:
- 57% increased risk of kidney cancer
- 25% reduction in immune function in children
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Various cancer
Industries Driving PFAS Contamination
The biggest contributors to PFAS pollution are the manufacturers of these chemicals, including large companies such as AGC, Arkema, Daikin, Gore and Syensqo (formerly Solvay). Chermours (formerly DuPont) and 3M are the companies that created these products and contributed to their widespread use. Today, various industries contribute to their further spread:
- Textiles: PFAS are commonly used in raincoats and sportswear to make them waterproof and stain resistant. In 2024, the market for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in this segment is worth $4.4 billion.
- Food packaging & cookware. Some PFAS are used in cookware (i.e. in Teflon pans), food packaging, and in food processing for their non-stick and grease, oil, and water-resistant properties
- Electronics: PFAS play a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in photolithography and equipment components. Their resistance to heat and low surface tension minimize defects, improve chemical compatibility, and increase equipment lifespan. The size of the market for PFAS in electronics stands at $9.1 billion in 2024.
- Cosmetics: PFAS contributes to the performance of waterproof makeup, long-lasting foundations, and anti-aging skincare products.
- Automotive & aerospace: Known for their heat resistance and non-corrosive properties, PFAS are essential in various automotive and aerospace applications.
Perspectives On Regulation
The European Union has implemented stringent regulations to restrict the use of. Key regulations include:
- Persistent organic pollutants (POP) regulation: In line with the Stockholm Convention, this regulation has banned several PFAS substances, including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) since 2009, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) since July 2020, and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) since June 2022.
- Registration, evaluation, authorization & restriction of chemicals (REACH): A REACH proposal aims to ban the manufacture, use, and placing on the market (including imports) of at least 10,000 PFAS substances.
- Drinking water directive: This directive sets a maximum PFAS concentration of less than 0.5 ppt in drinking water effluent to ensure water quality and public safety.
2 Key Figures
Over 10,000
PFAS include more than 10,000 synthetic chemical compounds used in industrial and consumer products.
€100 Billion
The estimated annual cost of removing even a fraction of short-chain and ultrashort-chain PFAS from the environment and destroying them, surpassing two trillion euros over 20 years.