EU Pays Attention To Shoes And Clothing Appealed To Restrict Production Of Pfcs And Pfass

Recently, the European Union

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The attention of chemical substances such as kitchenware and carpets and other daily necessities has been increasing. It is more likely that they will not be used in future.

 

It is understood that this summer, the British Journal published a title entitled "Madrid Declaration: perfluoroalkyl and fluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs)" joint statement, signed by more than 200 scientists, they came from 38 countries, including 18 EU Member States.

The statement calls for the restriction of the production of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and PFASs, as well as the use of these substances in food packaging and general household products, and for the development of safer non fluorine substances as alternatives.

PFCs and PFASs are mostly antifouling, waterproof and anti sticky materials. They are usually used in raincoats, carpets and frying pan.

And shoe protection spray and cleaning products may also contain PFCs.

The statement urged the international community, including scientists and governments, to take action to establish a global database to record the PFASs added to various products, to investigate the toxicity and exposure level of these substances; to provide for the use of PFASs only if necessary; to publish annual statistics on the production and import and export of PFASs; to conduct more extensive toxicity tests; and to build facilities for the safe pportation and disposal of PFASs containing products.

The statement calls on manufacturers of chemicals and products to cooperate with scientists and governments in seeking safe disposal of PFASs; developing non persistent, non-toxic non fluorinated alternatives; if necessary, or requiring safer alternatives, PFASs should be discontinued; labels on chemicals containing PFASs should be labeled with chemical substances and safety guidelines.

At the same time, the statement urged consumers to avoid using PFASs products as much as possible, including many antifouling, waterproof or anti sticky products, and questioned the use of fluorinated "functional" substances added to consumer goods.

Animal tests show that certain long chain PFASs can cause liver damage, lipid metabolism and immune and endocrine system disorders, and have adverse effects on neurological behavior, leading to poisoning or even death of newborns.

Part of PFASs has been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm convention because of its long lasting effect and strong toxicity.

However, some industry organizations still objected to the findings, stressing that the new version of the chemical substances is safe and available.

Some people believe that there is not enough research to confirm that alternatives are safer.