European water umbrella organizations have emphasized that such chemical substances pose a serious threat to water quality and public health. PFAS, or poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, are chemical compounds widely used in industrial processes and products such as waterproof clothing, packaging materials, and firefighting agents.
However, the harmful effects of these substances on humans and the environment have been known for some time. The European water umbrella organizations have expressed concern about the presence of PFAS in water sources and have urged stricter measures to prevent further contamination.
A specific case of PFAS pollution recently drawing significant attention in the Netherlands is the long-term contamination by DuPont/Chemours near Dordrecht. Local authorities have repeatedly highlighted the need for measures to address the pollution and hold those responsible accountable.
A recent success in the European Parliament is the elimination of PFAS chemicals from food contact packaging materials. This agreement marks an important step toward reducing consumer exposure to PFAS. Such measures are crucial to protecting the health of European citizens and combating the pollution of water sources.
However, the European water umbrella organizations continue to press for an overall ban on all PFAS chemicals, not just in packaging materials. They argue that such a measure is essential to ensure water quality and protect public health.