Proposed Restriction on the use of Perfluoroalkyl Chemical Substances
We would like to inform you that a public consultation is underway to ban the use of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in chemical mixtures and in objects. PFASs are highly resistant and persistent chemicals, meaning they remain in the environment longer than any other chemicals and accumulate in living things and in humans causing toxic effects. Some PFAS substances are toxic to reproduction and can damage embryo development, others can cause cancer, and some are suspected of interfering with the human endocrine (hormonal) system. It is important to minimize the release of such substances into soil and drinking water to reduce the likelihood of future irreversible damage.
In the context of the above consultation, the Department of Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance reminds the affected industrialists, importers, distributors, the general public as well as the interested organizations or scientific groups that they can submit their comments or data on the restriction proposal by September 25, 2023, through the following ECHA website: https://echa.europa.eu/el/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/72301/term
It is worth mentioning that special data are requested on the affected sectors, the estimated socio-economic costs, the proposed exemptions, the transition periods, the available analytical methods, the end-of-life emissions of the products, the effectiveness of waste management measures including incineration and the available alternative chemicals per area of use of PFAS.
It is noted that PFAS are widely used because they have unique properties such as stability under intense heat. Many of these are also surfactants and are used as water and grease repellents.
Some of the major industrial sectors using PFAS include the production of food contact materials, textiles, leather goods and clothing, construction and household products, electronics, firefighting, food processing, and medical goods.
Further information as well as information material on the proposed restriction can be found on the following websites of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA):
https://echa.europa.eu/el/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
https://chemicalsinourlife.echa.europa.eu/why-we-care-about-forever-chemicals-and-why-you-should-too
For more information or questions, please contact the competent Officers of the Department of Labor Inspection at 22405609, 22405608.
