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The franceinfo Talk returns to the adoption by deputies of a law aimed at limiting the diffusion of PFAS. Ludo Pauchant receives Gaël Fortin, doctor of oncology and science popularizer and Sophie Campion, science popularizer.
Thursday April 4, the National Assembly adopted, at first reading, a bill from environmentalists aimed at limiting the spread of PFAS. These “eternal pollutants” are massively present in our daily lives : in our food, clothing, medical equipment or even in cosmetics.
Consequences on health and the environment
Prized by manufacturers, these ultra-resistant chemical compounds have consequences on our health and the environment, according to a growing number of studies. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of synthetic chemical compounds incorporating fluorine. Although they have the advantage for manufacturers of being very resistant, they are very poorly biodegradable, hence their nickname “eternal pollutants”.
Their health consequences are real and increasingly studied. Indeed, over the long term and in high doses, PFAS can cause cancer, growth disorders or failure of the immune system.
What the bill contains
Approved unanimously, 186 votes for and zero against, the text aims to restrict the manufacture and sale of products containing these substances. However, MEPs excluded kitchen products and utensils from the list, after significant mobilization from manufacturers. Stanislas de Gramont, general director of Seb, denounced on April 3 “a dogmatic measure without any scientific basis”. 400 group employees and elected officials took part in a demonstration in front of the National Assembly on Wednesday April 3.
The adopted text plans to prohibit, from January 2026, the manufacture, import, export and sale of any cosmetic product, wax product or textile clothing product containing PFAS.
As of January 1, 2030, the same will apply to all textiles containing PFAS, such as rugs, carpets, sofa coverings, or any outdoor textiles.
The text adopted by the deputies provides for an obligation to include the control of the presence of these substances in the analyzes of water intended for human consumption.