France tightens PFAS legislation

France tightens PFAS legislation: new study shows impact on pregnant women and fetuses

01.03.2025 | Fundamental right

The French government has passed a new law that limits the population's exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) must reduce. These chemicals, often described as 'forever chemicals', have been used for decades in a variety of products, from water-repellent clothing to non-stick coatings. Despite their useful properties, it is becoming increasingly clear how harmful they are to both the environment and human health.

New law must limit PFAS in consumer products

On February 20, the National Assembly of France agreed to stricter regulations around PFAS. This law, which was introduced by Green MEPs, aims to to reduce the spread of these harmful substances and hold industry responsible for the costs of clean-up.

The new regulations introduce a phased ban on PFAS in various sectors:

• From 2026 PFAS are banned in cosmetics, specific types of textiles and ski wax.
• From 2030 a total ban on the use of PFAS applies in all textile products.

The principle of 'the polluter pays' is included in the law, making companies financially liable for the remediation of polluted areas. It is striking, however, that kitchen utensils such as non-stick pans are not covered by the banThis is probably the result of intensive lobbying activities from the industry, particularly from large manufacturers of household products.

Science confirms harm: PFAS and maternal and child health

The harmful effects of PFAS have been the subject of scientific research for some time. According to the French Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labour (Anses) are these chemicals possibly carcinogenic and they can contribute to hormone disruption, fertility problems and liver damage.

A recent study published in the scientific journal Environment International, brings new insights into the influence of PFAS on pregnant women and their unborn children. Research conducted by scientists from the Institute of Life Sciences in Grenoble shows that PFAS disrupt the functioning of the placenta, which can have serious consequences for fetal development.

PFAS and the placenta: research reveals worrying implications

The placenta plays an essential role in the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between mother and child. When this process is disrupted, it can complications during pregnancy cause and affect the growth of the fetus.

The study shows that PFAS are capable of to change the morphology of the placenta, which can lead to poorer blood flow and reduced supply of essential nutrients. This increases the risk of preeclampsia, high blood pressure and low birth weight.

For the study, blood samples were analyzed from 367 pregnant women from the Grenoble region. In these samples, 26 different types of PFAS were tested, of which 13 variants could be reliably analyzed. The results showed that at five of these PFAS substances all women studied had measurable concentrations in their blood.

The scientists discovered that the higher the concentration of PFAS in the mother's blood, the lower the weight of the placenta. This can have direct consequences for the growth and health of the baby. The study also points to possible structural damage to the placental villi – microscopic structures essential for the absorption of oxygen and nutrients by the fetus.

What makes this research unique?

Earlier research, such as a study from Denmark, focused mainly on a limited number of PFAS substances and used placental weight as the only indicator. This new study is much broader in scope and offers more detailed insights.

What sets this study apart is the microscopic analysis of placental tissuesThis makes it possible to investigate how PFAS affect placental structure, rather than just looking at weight. The researchers now want to expand their work to a national scale to increase the reliability of the results and investigate whether there is a link with rare diseases.

An important step, but is it enough?

Although the new French law is a step forward, the question remains whether these measures are sufficient to actually protect pregnant women and their children.

According to experts, it is almost impossible to fully protect yourself against PFAS, because these substances be present everywhere in daily life: in water, food, clothing and cosmetics. This means that individual precautions are insufficient and that strict legislation is necessary.

According to scientists, reducing PFAS emissions at the source is the only way to effectively reduce exposure. By to introduce a ban on the production and use of PFAS, not only protects public health, but also prevents future generations from being exposed to the same risks.

What still needs to be done?

France is one of the first countries in Europe to take steps to restrict PFAS on a large scale. However, there are still critical gaps in the regulations:

• Kitchen utensils remain out of harm's way, despite the known risk of PFAS in non-stick coatings.
• Water purification and soil remediation are not being addressed sufficiently, which means that the existing pollution continues to have an effect.
• European coordination is missing, while PFAS pollution is a cross-border problem.

The legislation in France can serve as a example for other European countries, but needs to be further tightened. International cooperation and stricter European standards are essential to ensure that PFAS are not only removed from specific products, but from the environment as a whole.

Conclusion: stricter rules are essential for a healthier future

The new French law is an important step in the right direction, but the fight against PFAS is far from over. Scientific research is increasingly showing how these substances are harmful to public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn children.

To have a real impact, governments must not only ban specific products, but also full production and discharge of PFAS stop. Without stricter rules and an internationally coordinated approach the threat of these 'forever chemicals' continues.

The health of future generations depends on the choices we make today. It is time for governments, industries and citizens to take collective action to eliminate PFAS from our environment for good.

SOURCE:
https://apache.be/2025/03/01/regulering-van-pfas-kwestie-van-milieurechtvaardigheid