France Moves to Ban PFAS in Everyday Items Like Textiles and Cosmetics

The government backs an ecological proposal to restrict 'forever chemicals' in non-essential products, while leaving some uses exempt for now.

The French government announced its support for a law proposed by ecological lawmakers to ban PFAS in everyday items such as textiles, ski wax, and cosmetics where alternatives exist.
PFAS, often called 'forever chemicals,' are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to widespread pollution in water, air, and soil.
The proposed law, set for a vote on February 20, excludes PFAS used in non-stick cookware due to a lack of clear scientific evidence on their health risks and the absence of viable alternatives.
The government aims to position France as a European leader in addressing PFAS pollution and has tasked its health agency to expand research into these chemicals in drinking water.
Certain critical applications of PFAS, such as in medical devices and firefighting equipment, will remain allowed due to their unique functional properties.