what if we had the wrong target?

Among the thousands of PFAS in existence, a few are considered dangerous for health and the environment.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a family of chemical compounds comprising more than 12,000 substances used in many industrial and household applications. In recent years, PFAS have become synonymous with perennial pollutants, objects of growing mistrust in public opinion. But the widespread attack on these substances may well be aimed at the wrong target.

PFAS: a heterogeneous family and diverse uses

Since their development in the 1940s, PFAS have revolutionized many industries thanks to their unique chemical properties. Renowned for their resistance to water, grease and high temperatures, these molecules have become essential in products as varied as technical textiles, non-stick kitchen utensils, fire-fighting foams, and even certain medical devices. In firefighting foams, for example, they make it possible to control fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish, such as those involving hydrocarbons. In textiles, they provide waterproofing sought by consumers of technical and sports clothing.

According to a study by MarketsandMarkets, the global PFAS market was worth around €20 billion in 2022, with forecast growth of 4% per year until 2030. In France alone, strategic sectors such as aeronautics, chemistry or medical devices depend on these materials to maintain their international competitiveness. Thus, implantable PFAS devices guarantee essential biocompatibility in applications such as heart valves.

Among PFAS, some bad apples

However, among the thousands of PFAS in existence, a few are considered dangerous to health and the environment. These compounds, such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), have been gradually banned in Europe since the 2000s thanks to strict regulations like REACH. Today, European manufacturers have turned to less persistent and less toxic alternatives, called new generation PFAS.

To limit the environmental impact of their production, certain companies such as Arkema or Saint-Gobain invest massively in innovative technologies. Yet, despite these efforts, the general public considers the chemical sector to be a careless, even unconscious, polluter. A reputation that does not stand up to examination of the facts. We know, for example, that 90% of problematic PFAS emissions in drinking water come from from historical sources or imported products.

A counterproductive denunciation strategy

NGOs and certain media have largely contributed to popularizing the term “eternal pollutants” to describe all PFAS. Although this communication has helped raise public awareness of the importance of environmental issues, it has often generated damaging confusion.. The recent Anses study revealed that 50% of French people consume drinking water containing traces of PFAS. In 90% of cases, these concentrations remain below regulatory thresholds. One in two French people, however, will be shocked to drink water that they wrongly consider to be toxic.

PFAS: eternal pollutant banned in Europe?

Furthermore, this discourse ignores the fundamental differences between new generation PFAS, widely used in France, and their banned historical counterparts. Result: French companies, although in compliance with regulations, find themselves systematically accused, which weakens their image and their positioning on international markets. They then lose market share, not even to mention the research and development costs incurred to create harmless PFAS which contribute to the making of a better product.

An increased risk for industrial sovereignty

This global stigmatization has serious economic consequences. While French companies are investing massively in environmentally friendly solutions, products imported from less regulated countries, such as China or India, are invading European markets. For example, locally produced technical textiles are gradually being replaced by low-cost Asian alternatives, but containing PFAS banned in Europe.

Between 2015 and 2023, French production of waterproof textiles has fallen by 20%.putting hundreds of jobs at risk. This situation illustrates a paradox: while France strengthens its standards, it penalizes its own manufacturers and involuntarily promotes the importation of non-compliant products. Businesses die without consumers being better off.

A necessary dialogue between NGOs and industrialists

Faced with these challenges, however, there are solutions to adopt a more nuanced approach. In Germany, thanks to a structured dialogue between NGOs and businesses, the country has implemented differentiated limits depending on the types of PFAS and useswhile financially supporting industries in their transition.

In France, a similar model could be considered. The creation of a joint working group would make it possible to set ambitious environmental objectives while supporting manufacturers in their compliance. This compromise would be beneficial for all stakeholders: fair and effective regulation would preserve both the environment and jobs. It is also essential to promote the efforts of local businesses engaged in responsible practices.

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