ECHA: PFAS ban on firefighting foams risks catastrophe
28 Jun 2023
Without effective alternatives “the consequences of reduced fire safety could be disastrous…”
Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) committee for socio-economic analysis (SEAC) has adopted a final opinion supporting a “gradual” ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.
The restriction could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by around 13,200 tonnes over 30 years, Helsinki-based ECHA claimed in a 22 June press release.
SEAC found that “the proposed restriction on placing on the market, use and formulation of PFAS in firefighting foams is the most appropriate EU-wide measure to address the identified risks.”
The committee, however, suggested a review of available fluorine-free alternatives for sites that produce, treat or store dangerous substances and those neighbouring them within the 10-year transition period.
Similarly, a review would be needed for uses at offshore installations in the oil & gas industry, with SEAC recommending extending the transition period from five to 10 years.
There are some uses where “if there are no alternatives that perform well enough by the end of the transition periods, the consequences of reduced fire safety could be disastrous,” said Maria Ottati, chair of SEAC.
“It’s likely that there will be alternatives, but it’s important that we reduce the chance that they are not there to a minimum," added Ottati.
ECHA will next prepare the combined opinion of SEAC and its risk assessment committee (RAC) for publication, before sending restriction proposals to the European Commission (EC).
If the EC agrees the restrictions, the proposal will be voted on by EU member states in the REACH Committee and scrutinised by the European Parliament and Council before becoming law.
The ECHA statement went note that RAC and SEAC held discussions in June about the universal restriction proposal on PFAS, as submitted by Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
ERJ is requesting further details about the committee discussions of the proposed universal PFAS restrictions, which could lead to a blanket ban on the use of fluoroelastomers and other fluoropolymer materials in the EU.
