PFAS regulations are changing, and it's about time. The European Parliament and Member States have taken a historic step for children's health: by 2030, toys containing dangerous chemicals like PFAS will be banned across the European Union. Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A, are also in the crosshairs.
What are PFAS?
Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyls (PFAS), also known as "perennial pollutants," are chemical compounds that have been used since the mid-20th century for their waterproofing and non-stick properties. These substances, which break down extremely slowly, accumulate in the environment and the human body. They are present in many everyday objects, ranging from food containers to sex toys and children's toys. Overexposure to these chemical compounds produces serious health effects (cancers, fertility and fetal development disorders, cholesterol), studies report.
Highly publicized in recent years for their presence in Teflon pans and food containers, PFAS are already subject to strict restrictions in Europe. However, these substances were not subject to a general ban in the childcare sector. These substances could therefore be present in toys such as teething rings or bath toys, where they risk being ingested or absorbed through contact with the skin or mouth.
Faced with these dangers, the European Union has decided to strengthen its standards. The new toy safety regulation will ban PFAS and other dangerous substances, unless they are integrated into components inaccessible to children. Allergenic fragrances will also be banned from toys intended for children under 36 months.
Four years to adapt
The complete ban will take effect within four and a half years to give manufacturers time to adapt. While the initiative is unprecedented, many experts still consider it insufficient: the safest course of action would be to ban these substances from all everyday consumer products, regardless of their end use.
Why is this measure essential?
It is no longer a question of As proven, PFAS and endocrine disruptors pose a serious threat to health. Their presence in the blood of children in Europe has been documented by several scientific studies. In addition to their health impacts, these chemicals pose a major environmental problem. Their persistence in soil and water permanently contaminates our ecosystem.
For Marion Walsmann, the German MEP who brought the text to Parliament, this legislation is crucial not only to protect children, but also to ensure fair competition with countries like China where standards are often less strict. Because this is where The challenge: when the text is approved, products from the other side of the world will no longer be able to be marketed in Europe if they contain PFAS. The international market will therefore have to adapt sustainably.
A more comprehensive review of European legislation on chemical substances is expected by the end of 2025. It could further extend these restrictions to other product categories. With this ban planned for 2030, Europe is once again asserting its role as a pioneer on the issue of eternal pollutants. It remains to see if the rest of the world will be ready to follow suit.
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