A couple of weeks ago, chemical producing giant Dupont announced via a press release its new sustainability goals, including an ambition to design all of its products in line with the green chemistry principles. In this situation, where the current business model has reached the end of the road, there aren’t many options left for Dupont but to announce a major turnaround.
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) are not only a huge threat to human health and the environment. They are also a really bad investment for the producers and their investors. Lawsuits and liability cases are making PFAS producing companies such as DuPont, 3M and Chemours lose a ton of money. They are also taking a huge toll on their respective stocks.
Recently, ECHA’s Member State Committee agreed to list GenX chemicals as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). This marks the first time that chemicals are identified as SVHCs in part based on their mobility in the environment.
The mounting evidence against PFAS have now surpassed the sole awareness of the scientific community, and today many regular citizens are aware of this problematic group of chemicals.
This begs the question: If PFAS are that bad, how on earth can they still be allowed?
Coop Denmark informed its suppliers that all purchases of cosmetic products containing PFAS will be stopped immediately, even those from well-known international brands. PFAS in cosmetics will disappear completely from the shelves of Coop Denmark by early September 2019.
Tolerable intakes for PFAS could be much lower than scientists previously thought. EFSA’s scientific panel recommends lowering these levels drastically, indicating that the presence of PFAS in the food chain is a big problem to human health.
