ECHA committee supports gradual ban of PFAS in firefighting foams

HELSINKI—The European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has adopted a final opinion supporting a "gradual" ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in firefighting foams.

The restriction could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by around 13,200 metric tons over 30 years, Helsinki-based ECHA said in a June 22 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 European Union-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 neighboring them within the 10-year transition period. Similarly, a review would be needed for uses at offshore installations in the oil and 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," she added.

ECHA will next prepare the combined opinion of SEAC and its risk assessment committee (RAC) for publication and send its restriction proposals to the European Commission.

If the EC agrees to the restrictions, the proposal will be voted on by EU member states in the REACH Committee and scrutinized by the European Parliament and Council before becoming law.

The RAC and SEAC held discussions in June about the universal restriction proposal on PFAS, as submitted by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, according to ECHA.