Yanis Darras with AFP 1:42 p.m., April 5, 2024

MPs voted this week on a text aimed at limiting the distribution of products containing PFAS. Textiles, pharmaceutical products, stoves... These substances, also called "eternal pollutants" because of their lifespan once in the environment, pose a real health problem. But what are we talking about? Europe 1 takes stock. 

Packaging, stoves, clothing... They are everywhere in our everyday objects, but also in nature. Eternal pollutants have been in the news in recent days, as the National Assembly recently looked into them. Thus, Nicolas Thierry's proposal, aimed at limiting the diffusion of PFAS (pronounced Pifas editor's note) or "eternal pollutants", was approved unanimously, with 186 votes for and zero against. The main article provides for a ban from January 1, 2026 on the manufacture, import and sale of any cosmetic product, wax product (for skis) or textile clothing product containing these substances.

But what are perennial pollutants, also called PFAS? Europe 1 takes stock. 

A magical substance

These perennial pollutants are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A barbaric name to designate a family of thousands of chemical compounds, the use of which has exploded since the 1950s. Because these substances have waterproofing, but also non-stick properties. They are therefore used to waterproof our clothes, but also in our non-stick pans. Certain components of the family are also used in cosmetics, in fire-fighting foams, or even in pharmaceutical products.

What are the health consequences?

Problem is, when they are found in the environment, these substances are particularly persistent over time and in the elements, giving them the nickname of eternal pollutants. Water, soil, air, living beings… PFAS are everywhere and are now found in the food chain, through fish or even eggs, explained the EFSA in 2020.

According to several studies, certain PFAS molecules increase cholesterol levels in humans, and have an impact on the immune system and fertility. In 2023, PFOA and PFOS, two subcategories of PFAS, were respectively classified as “carcinogenic to humans” and “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.