"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 10,000 chemicals found in everything from non-stick pans and waterproof jackets to firefighting foams and cleaning products. These chemicals have been linked to a wide range of devastating health conditions, including pregnancy complications, liver damage, and several kinds of cancer. Now, an EU-commissioned report suggests that banning PFAS today could save Europe billions in the long run."
"In a business-as-usual scenario, the health and environmental impacts are expected to cost Europe about £381 billion ($521 billion) by the middle of the century. Yearly health costs already stand at £34 billion ($46.9 billion) every year, with no hope of cutting these bills without a ban. However, the report describes this enormous bill as simply the 'baseline' costs of continuing to use PFAS. If Europe tries to treat polluted soil and water without banning PFAS, the costs will balloon to well over £1 trillion."
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are over 10,000 chemicals used in non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, firefighting foams, and cleaning products. PFAS are linked to pregnancy complications, liver damage, and several kinds of cancer. Under business-as-usual, health and environmental impacts could cost Europe about £381 billion by mid-century, with annual health costs around £34 billion. Treating polluted soil and water without a ban could push costs past £1 trillion. PFAS persist for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulate in waterways, soil, and bodies, and their repellant properties drive widespread use. Phasing out PFAS could reduce yearly treatment costs to £433 million by 2040 and yield major savings by 2050.
Read at Mail Online
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