EU PFOS limit

News | HSW
01.12.2006

MEPs and EU ministers are fast-tracking plans to reduce hazards posed by perfluorooctane sulphonates - chlorinated compounds used in the production of textiles, electronic chips, coatings, photographic chemicals, and some hydraulic fluids. PFOS - described by Brussels as "very persistent, very bio-accumulative, and toxic" - hit the headlines in 2005 when PFOS-containing foam used to tackle the Buncefield fuel depot fire contaminated local watercourses. MEPs and ministers have agreed to slash a proposed limit of  0.1% on PFOS in substances and preparations to 0.005%, or five parts per million, and to ban PFOS in fire-fighting foams. The restrictions will apply 18 months after entry into force of the amendments to Directive 76/769/EEC on hazardous substances.