PFAS chemicals are called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in use.
New Zealand plans to ban per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) in cosmetics.
New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesdaythat the use of PFAS chemicals in cosmetic products will end in the country on December 31, 2026.
For example, news about it German media and British The Guardian.
Eternity chemicals
Composed of thousands of synthetic PFAS chemicals, the compounds are often used in cosmetic products such as nail polishes, shaving creams, lipsticks and mascaras.
Industrially produced compounds are added to products, for example to smooth the skin or to improve the durability, spreading and water resistance of cosmetic products.
PFAS chemicals are called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in use and in the environment. Chemicals can also easily pollute soil and water bodies.
PFAS chemicals are also not harmless to humans. They can end up in the human body with food and drinking water.
Banning PFAS chemicals is being discussed in the EU
So far, New Zealand is the only country in the world that is seriously trying to get rid of environmentally harmful chemicals.
Efforts have also been made to get rid of PFAS chemicals in Europe. For example, Germany has proposed to the European Commission to ban substances in the EU.
However, there are problems with banning PFAS chemicals because they are the most stable chemical bonds. In addition to cosmetics, PFAS chemicals are used in the technology industry and medicine.
In the US, individual states have proposed banning or restricting PFAS chemicals, but no decisions have been made at the federal level.
For example, California decided to ban PFAS chemicals in cosmetics within the state in September 2022. The regulation will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The states of Maine and Minnesota, on the other hand, recently passed laws banning products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals starting in 2030.
Source: AFP