EC restricts PFAS in firefighting foams

The European Commission (EC) has adopted new measures restricting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams under REACH. These will take effect after transition periods of between 12 months and ten years, depending on the use, and follows on from the scientific assessment of ECHA’s committees and scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council.

The EC said that this restriction marks a major step towards its objective of minimising PFAS emissions. PFAS are found in about 60% of firefighting foams and some 470 tonnes/years of PFAS are emitted from them, when effective alternatives are already available.