The European Commission announced on Friday to restrict the use of substances known as PFAS, or “Eternal chemicals”in the foam for extinguishing.
Restriction will enter into force by the end of this month photo archive
PFAS, that is, the substances per- and polyfluorurated, do not decompose into the environment, which raises concerns about their accumulation in ecosystems, drinking water and in the human body.
The restriction will enter into force until the end of this month, but there will be transitional periods that will vary from several months for certain industries up to 10 years, depending on use, reports Reuters.
The sale of PFAS portable extinguishers will be restricted after six months, and PFAS extinguishers used for training, testing and municipal firefighters will be prohibited after 18 months.
For high risk industrial sites, regulated by EU safety norms – such as those that store large amounts of flammable liquids – there will be a 10 -year transition period.
“About 60% of fire extinguishing foams contain PFAS. This has led to many cases of soil and water contamination, including drinking water. It is an important step forward to combating PFAS pollution throughout Europe.”said the European Environment Commissioner, Jesiika Roswall.
