Since July 2020, the use of perfluorinated or PFAS, perfluoroalkylated substances, is prohibited in Denmark. However, a study recently revealed that these health-hazardous pollutants had been found in disposable tableware and food packaging in Denmark, but also in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, reveals The World who fears a new health and environmental scandal.
Of 42 samples taken across these countries, PFAS were found in 6 in France. The products with the highest concentrations would be disposable bowls, boxes or plates. Some of them are labeled compostable and biodegradable.
Environmental and health risks
Gold, PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for two reasons: they are extremely resistant in the environment and are accumulated by the body. Not really biodegradable, then. In Europe, there is a threshold not to be exceeded for these chemical substances, which are found everywhere. Household products, automotive, food, electronics, fire fighting, textiles also contain it.
Their limitation corresponds to an awareness of their harmful effect on health. They can be linked to obesity, cholesterol, cancers or even reduce the immune response resulting from a vaccine.
Following this discovery, the NGOs made demands to the European Union: ban PFAS, unless absolutely necessary for health, the functioning of society or safety. Or the prohibition of perfluorinated substances outside of essential uses.
Sources: The World, May 20, 2021, Future Generations press release
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