PFAS impact discussions March on
18th February 2025
FINLAND: The dates and agendas for the evaluations of the impact of fluorinated gases under proposed new European PFAS restrictions have now been published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The impact of a PFAS ban, which could affect nearly all HFO and HFC refrigerants, as well as many vital RACHP components, will be considered by the ECHA’s risk assessment committee (RAC) from 3-7 March, and the socio-economic analysis committee (SEAC) from 11-14 March.
The meetings are the latest in a timetable of sector impact investigations following a proposal in 2023 by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden seeking a new chemical definition of PFAS chemicals.
The new chemical definition of PFAS could lead to a ban on practically all HFC and HFO refrigerants, as well as the fluoropolymers used in a number of critical refrigeration components, like seals and gaskets.
PFAS substances – perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyls – are known to be highly persistent in the environment, contaminating groundwater, surface water and soil, and causing serious health effects such as cancer and liver damage.
The proposal claims that the manufacture, placement on the market and use of PFAS are not adequately controlled and need to be addressed through the European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations.
In addition to fluorinated gases, the March meetings will also consider consider impacts on the transport and energy sectors.
These are expected to result in an opinion of the RAC and a draft opinion of the SEAC committees. A consultation will follow on the draft opinion of the SEAC. This will provide an opportunity for all interested third parties to provide relevant information regarding socio economic aspects to be considered in the final SEAC opinion.
The conclusions agreed at RAC and SEAC meetings are provisional until the committees finalise the evaluation of the entire restriction proposal (including all sectors of use) and adopt their opinions. These opinions will then be communicated to the public.
Related stories:
ECHA to consider impact of PFAS ban on seals – 24 November 2024
EUROPE: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is to consider the impact of PFAS bans on the use of fluoropolymers in the manufacture of vital RACHP components like seals and gaskets. Read more…
PFAS consultation receives over 5,600 comments – 26 September 2023
FINLAND: The European proposals to restrict the use of PFAS chemicals have received more than 5,600 comments from more than 4,400 organisations, companies and individuals. Read more…
PFAS ban affects most refrigerant blends – 12 February 2023
EUROPE: The banning of just five refrigerants under the new PFAS regulation proposals would lead to the banning of virtually all the current lower GWP HFC/HFO alternative refrigerant blends. Read more…
