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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Environment & Climate

Sweden to ban PFAS chemicals in consumer products from 2028

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Sweden plans to ban PFAS chemicals in consumer products starting in 2028.
  • The proposed ban will cover clothing, shoes, impregnation agents, kitchenware, cosmetics, and ski wax.
  • The government aims to prevent the widespread accumulation of PFAS in homes, nature, and the human body.

Sweden is moving to ban so-called "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, from consumer products, with the prohibition set to take effect in 2028. The government announced the plan, targeting everyday items like clothing, shoes, impregnation sprays, kitchenware, cosmetics, and ski wax.

Environmental Minister Romina Pourmokhtari stated that PFAS have no place in consumer goods when viable alternatives exist. She emphasized Sweden's commitment to preventing the further spread of these persistent chemicals into the environment and human bodies. "Sweden does not want to stand idly by while PFAS spread in our homes, in nature, and in our bodies," Pourmokhtari declared.

PFAS have no place in clothing, cosmetics, cookware, and other everyday products when other effective alternatives are available.

โ€” Romina PourmokhtariEnvironmental Minister Romina Pourmokhtari explaining the rationale behind the proposed ban.

The proposed ban reflects growing concerns over the long-term health and environmental impacts of PFAS, which are known for their resistance to degradation. The chemicals are widely used in products due to their water- and grease-repellent properties, but their persistence has led to widespread contamination.

Sweden does not want to stand idly by while PFAS spread in our homes, in nature, and in our bodies.

โ€” Romina PourmokhtariEnvironmental Minister Romina Pourmokhtari expressing the government's motivation to curb PFAS contamination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.