Lena Schilling Expects Strong EU Report on PFAS, Demands Ban and Producer Responsibility
EU lawmaker Lena Schilling anticipates a 'very strong final report' from the European Chemicals Agency on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) this autumn. She urges an outright ban and manufacturer accountability. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence, have infiltrated everyday products and are now detectable globally in soil, air, and water. In January 2026, the EU set drinking-water limits for selected PFAS and has since banned the substances in packaging. Still, Schilling notes that reducing thresholds or prohibiting use only lessens individual exposure; these chemicals continue to enter the environment and accumulate. Their removal from wastewater remains expensive and technically demanding.
Key facts
- EU lawmaker Lena Schilling expects a 'very strong final report' from the EU chemicals agency on PFAS in autumn.
- Schilling calls for a complete ban on PFAS.
- Schilling demands clear responsibility from manufacturers.
- PFAS are present worldwide in soil, air, and water.
- The EU introduced drinking water limits for certain PFAS in January 2026.
- The EU recently banned PFAS in packaging.
- Lowering limits or bans reduce individual risk but do not stop chemicals from entering the environment.
- Removing PFAS from wastewater is costly and challenging.
Entities
Institutions
- European Union
- European Parliament
- European Chemicals Agency