Toxic compounds in nappies, PFAS in pizza boxes or PVC in shoes: the EU is set to ban entire families of ultra-widespread but harmful chemicals, according to a European Commission plan unveiled Monday.
The document details future restrictions envisaged as part of the broad review of EU chemicals legislation, currently being negotiated between Brussels and member states, "
targeting the substances most harmful to human health and the environment
".
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Work is "
very advanced
" for six families of substances examined by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), the States and the Commission with a view to a project for a progressive ban, even before the adoption of a new EU chemicals management methodology expected from 2025.
It includes the group of PVCs (polyvinyl chlorides), plastics that are very little recyclable and used in a wide range of products (toys, food packaging, textiles, shoes, furniture, etc.), as well as their additives (phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals...), accused of being linked to cancer or obesity.
Many, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), present in food packaging (pizza boxes, etc.), paints, varnishes or coatings, accumulate in the body.
A plan covering “thousands of chemical compounds”
Other target groups: all flame retardants (flame retardants in mattresses, clothing, car seats, etc.) and all substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) in articles for children, in particular layers.
Also concerned are all bisphenols, used in the manufacture of plastics and food containers, and considered endocrine disruptors.
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This plan targets both entire families of components and their prohibition for "
a wider range of uses, industrial, professional, general public
", explains the European Commission.
"
All the substances of the same family are considered as dangerous as the most harmful
" and this plan "
covers thousands of chemical compounds
", explains the NGO European Environmental Bureau, which anticipates a ban within two years and completes in 2030.
“
The petrochemical industry will fiercely oppose it (…) Flame retardants and bisphenols are widely used, it takes political courage to ban them.
Almost all manufactured goods in stores and our homes will be affected
,” said Tatiana Santos of EEB.
