France’s National Assembly has voted to restrict the production and sale of products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” due to their harmful environmental and health impacts.
The bill, introduced by the Greens, was passed by 231 votes to 51 in the lower-house on Thursday, following its earlier approval by the Senate. The measure now awaits President Emmanuel Macron’s signature to become law.
PFAS, human-made chemicals used since the 1940s, are found in a wide range of consumer products due to their waterproof, stain-resistant, and non-stick properties. These include frying pans, clothing, carpets, cosmetics, ski wax, and even dental floss. However, PFAS persist in the environment for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and the food chain.
Scientific research has linked chronic exposure to PFAS with liver damage, high cholesterol, weakened immune responses, low birthweights, and various cancers. Studies have found PFAS in human blood samples dating back to 1975, with evidence from industry documents indicating that major manufacturers were aware of their toxicity as early as 1970.
A 2023 study revealed high levels of PFAS in the hair of all 14 Green Party lawmakers tested, highlighting the pervasiveness of contamination. More recently, a January 2024 study found that a type of PFAS linked to health issues and birth defects was present in tap water across multiple French cities, including Paris.
From January 2026, the legislation will ban the production, import, and sale of products containing PFAS where alternatives exist. These include cosmetics, ski wax, and most clothing, except for certain “essential” industrial textiles.
Initially, the proposed law also sought to ban non-stick cookware, but this provision was dropped after intense lobbying from the group that owns French cookware brand Tefal.
Additionally, the new law will require French authorities to conduct regular tests on drinking water for all forms of PFAS contamination.
The extent of PFAS pollution worldwide is still being assessed, but mounting evidence has led to stricter regulations in several countries. The European Union is currently considering broader restrictions on PFAS, while the United States has introduced new limits on certain forms of these chemicals in drinking water.
With this legislation, France takes a significant step towards mitigating PFAS exposure and addressing one of the most persistent forms of environmental pollution.
