Summary

The EU plans to ban PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in consumer products due to their environmental persistence and health risks, with exemptions for essential industrial uses like asthma inhalers and semiconductors.

PFAS are widely used in items such as non-stick pans and cosmetics but are linked to health issues like cancer and liver damage.

The ban is unlikely before 2026 as exemptions are finalized.

Litigation risks over PFAS are rising, with U.S. companies already paying over $11 billion in settlements for water contamination. European firms may face similar lawsuits.