Would have an impact on the economy
FDP politician doubts ban on eternal chemicals
September 27, 2023, 11:31 a.m
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The EU Commission wants to ban so-called eternal chemicals. There is also great support for this in Germany. FDP environmental expert Skudelny does not want to accept this across the board. It refers to the alleged risk-free nature of the substances.
Before the chemistry summit taking place at midday in the Chancellery, FDP environmental expert Judith Skudelny called for the planned restriction of so-called eternal chemicals to be included on the agenda. The current regulatory proposal at EU level “has the potential to not only slow down the energy transition, it also has a massive impact on the economy,” said Skudelny. This involves per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).
The EU Commission is currently working on a regulation to ban around 10,000 of these eternal chemicals, which are extremely long-lasting in nature. Many studies also conclude that PFAS can have health effects. The ban is not expected to be implemented until 2026 at the earliest.
“From electronics to optics to mechanical engineering – without PFAS, many industries in Europe will no longer be able to produce,” said Skudelny. This increases the dependence on imports, although many substances within the PFAS group are “demonstrably risk-free”. However, inputs into the environment must be “prevented”.
Skudelny warns against “overregulation”
What is needed is a “clear signal from the federal government that the current proposal for PFAS regulation cannot stand,” the FDP politician continued and warned against “EU over-regulation”. There is still a massive need for changes.
The industry is also against a ban on perpetual chemicals and points out the extensive use of the substances. Most recently, the VDA for the automotive industry, the ZVEI for the electrical and digital industry and the VDMA for mechanical and plant engineering jointly opposed a comprehensive PFAS ban. Instead, the associations advocated a differentiated approach.