A global movement to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their environmental persistence and health risks, is intensifying. Recently, the European Union, the State of California and Japan introduced new restrictions targeting various PFAS compounds. These include defluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and PFOS-related substances, focusing on limiting their use in products that come into contact with food, firefighting foam, and consumer items. This regulatory shift aims to mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS.
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The EU’s Regulation 2024/2462
The European Union recently introduced Regulation 2024/2462, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, which governs chemical substances in Europe. This new amendment imposes strict limits on undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts, and PFHxA-related substances. These PFHxA compounds are considered “forever chemicals” like other PFAS, persisting in the environment and accumulating in living organisms over time.
By implementing these restrictions, Europe aims to significantly reduce public exposure to PFHxA and related compounds, especially given their widespread adoption in products such as disposable food containers, kitchen papers, and fast-food wrappers.
The regulation mandates concentration limits for PFHxA in finished products, setting strict benchmarks for manufacturers. Moreover, it provides for a gradual phase-out, with a timeline that allows companies to adapt while minimizing potential economic disruptions.
California’s AB 347: Extending PFOS Restrictions
In the United States, State of California has passed Assembly Bill 347, a regulation expanding its existing PFAS legislation. This new amendment extends PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) use restrictions in food packaging and other consumer products until 2030. Additionally, California has been a front-runner in PFAS regulation, with earlier laws banning PFOS in children’s products and cookware.
With AB 347, California extends the prohibition to a wider range of products, reinforcing its position on PFAS restrictions for another decade. The bill also establishes regulatory pathways for the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to enforce compliance and ensure industry adherence. This regulation reflects California’s proactive stance on protecting consumers and the environment from harmful chemicals, especially PFOS, which is widely used due to its resistance to water, grease, and stains but is also known for its toxicity and environmental impact.
Japan’s New Cabinet Order No. 244
Japan has followed suit with legislation under Cabinet Order No. 244, aimed at phasing out perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and expanding its scope to 138 related compounds. This Cabinet Order builds on Japan’s prior restrictions introduced in April 2021, which initially targeted PFOA and its salts in 13 product categories. The new order designates additional PFOA-related chemicals as Class I Specified Chemical Substances, restricting their use in products like water-repellent and oil-repellent textiles, fire-extinguishing foams, and other consumer goods.
Conclusion
The global push to restrict PFAS usage signals an urgent need to address the risks posed by these persistent substances. While each country has taken a slightly different approach, the common thread is clear: reducing human exposure to PFAS is a priority.
As these regulations come into force, manufacturers and industries will be under increasing pressure to find safer alternatives, ensuring that future products are both functional and environmentally safe. This global trend suggests a new chapter in chemical regulation, one that may soon be adopted by more countries seeking to reduce the risks associated with PFAS.
