This week the European Commission adopted new restrictions on the use perfluorhexanoic acid (PFHxA) and very similar chemicals. They are part of the PFAS family, very persistent in the environment and posing significant risk to human health.
The ban will affect items such as consumer textiles (raincoats), food packaging (pizza boxes), consumer chemicals (waterproofing spray) and skin care products, among others.
Only few exemptions exist where these substances cannot yet be replaced properly, and risk of health damage is limited.
The transition period will be at least eighteen months and depending on the product could be extended to five years. This should give manufacturers enough time to find safe alternatives.
Further details are availble in ProductIPedia: https://www.productip.com/kb/productipedia/compliance-resources/pfhxa-restriction
