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2mo ago

France and Canada Take Major Steps to Restrict Harmful 'Forever Chemicals'

France enacts a PFAS ban in fashion and consumer goods by 2026, while Canada proposes phased restrictions starting in 2027.

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Vials containing PFAS samples sit in a tray at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joshua A. Bickel
FILE - Eva Stebel, water researcher, pours a water sample into a smaller glass container for experimentation as part of drinking water and PFAS research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Center For Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Feb. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. Twenty-two attorneys general urged a federal court on Wednesday, July 26, to reject a proposed $10.3 billion settlement over contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially dangerous chemicals, saying it lets manufacturer 3M Co. off too easily. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File)

Overview

  • France has passed legislation banning the use of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' in textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods starting in 2026, with limited exceptions for protective gear.
  • PFAS, widely used for their water, stain, and heat resistance, are linked to serious health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune system problems.
  • Canada has announced plans to classify PFAS as toxic under its Environmental Protection Act, paving the way for phased bans targeting firefighting foams, textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging by 2027.
  • The fashion industry faces significant challenges in eliminating PFAS from supply chains due to cost, functionality trade-offs, and the need for alternatives that may impact garment quality and performance.
  • These actions align with growing international efforts to regulate PFAS, as the European Union and the United States also work toward stricter controls on these persistent chemicals.