BRUSSELS – The EU\u2019s environment commissioner said on Sept 29 she has tested positive for \u201ctoxic\u201d forever chemicals after undergoing screening to raise awareness of the health risks linked to the man-made pollutants. <\/p>\n
\u201cCitizens are increasingly exposed to PFAS in their blood. I myself am no exception,\u201d environment commissioner Jessika Roswall told reporters, disclosing the results of her screening for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows that I\u2019m not free from PFAS and that some of the PFAS in my blood are toxic for reproductive health,\u201d she told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference on European efforts to protect nature and fight climate change.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis strengthened my resolve to take our work forward,\u201dMs Roswall said.<\/p>\n
The commissioner\u2019s team said she tested positive for six of the 13 PFAS screened for, including three considered toxic for reproductive health, and in several cases at concentrations higher than recommended levels.<\/p>\n
Ms Roswall underwent testing in July along with ministers from across the European Union to raise awareness about pollution from PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals that repel heat, water and oil, and are used in nonstick pans, stain-proof carpets and other products.<\/p>\n
Often called \u201cforever chemicals\u201d as they take an extremely long time to break down, PFAS are increasingly being restricted across the world due to adverse health effects.<\/p>\n
Chronic exposure to even low levels has been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights and several kinds of cancer.<\/p>\n
The European Commission plans in 2026 to propose banning PFAS in everyday consumer goods \u2013 from pizza boxes to clothing \u2013 with exceptions for certain areas including medical equipment.<\/p>\n
The commission is also working on a long-promised update to EU rules on the manufacture and use of dangerous chemicals \u2013 but the process has become bogged down in delays.<\/p>\n
An initial revision to the text known as \u201cReach\u201d received a thumbs-down from an internal impact assessment body \u2013 which asked the commission to strengthen its proposal, according to Ms Roswall.<\/p>\n
Environmental groups have warned against any further delay to the law\u2019s update, in the works since 2022. AFP<\/p>\n
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