Sweden moves to ban "forever chemicals" in clothing and cosmetics

Sweden is taking a decisive step to protect public health and the environment by proposing a ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in consumer products like clothing and cosmetics. The proposed legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2028, is part of a national action plan aimed at increasing efforts to combat the spread of these persistent pollutants.

The ban will encompass a range of items, including apparel, footwear, waterproofing treatments, kitchenware, and cosmetic products. This national prohibition will remain in place until the European Commission finalizes its own community-wide restrictions on PFAS, which are anticipated in 2027. Sweden's move is a proactive measure to address concerns over the widespread presence of these chemicals.

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Sweden will not stand idly by while persistent chemicals continue to spread through our homes, nature, and our bodies. Therefore, the government is getting ahead of the EU and taking a decisive step to stop the unnecessary use of PFAS.

"Sweden will not stand idly by while persistent chemicals continue to spread through our homes, nature, and our bodies," stated Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment Romina Pourmokhtari. "Therefore, the government is getting ahead of the EU and taking a decisive step to stop the unnecessary use of PFAS." She hailed the proposal as a significant victory for health and the environment, emphasizing that PFAS should not be in everyday products when effective alternatives exist.

PFAS are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals valued for their non-stick, water-repellent, and stain-resistant properties, leading to their extensive use across various industries for decades. Their notoriety as "forever chemicals" stems from their extreme persistence and resistance to decomposition in nature. This persistence allows them to accumulate in both the human body and the environment, posing significant health and ecological risks.

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This is a great victory for the health of the people and the Swedish environment. PFAS should not be present in clothing, cosmetics, kitchenware, or other daily use products when effective alternatives exist.