European regulator moves to ban PFAS compounds in firefighting foams

The European Chemicals Agency (Echa) has proposed an EU-wide ban on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) in firefighting foams, to prevent further groundwater and soil contamination. Based on a review of the environmental and health dangers posed by the use of these chemicals in firefighting foams, the agency announced on 23 February that restriction throughout Europe is justified because the risks posed by Pfas – a controversial class of persistent, highly mobile and potentially toxic compounds – are not adequately controlled.