Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are a large group of highly persistent chemicals that have been widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. Due to their persistence, mobility, and potential adverse health effects, PFAS have become a major public health and policy concern in Europe. Exposure is widespread, primarily occurring through food, drinking water, and consumer products, and scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to a range of health outcomes, including effects on the immune system and increased risk of certain diseases. Based on current risk assessments, a substantial proportion of the European population is estimated to exceed safe levels for key PFAS.
At this webinar new evidence and policy-relevant insights generated within JA PreventNCD will be presented. Alongside the webinar, a new policy brief with the title “Phasing Out PFAS in Europe: Urgent Actions to Protect Health and Environment” will be launched. The policy brief summarises the current European regulatory landscape, identifies remaining policy gaps, and outlines recommendations to reduce PFAS exposure. In addition, results from a recent review of European biomonitoring studies will be presented. The speakers of the webinar will also discuss ongoing challenges, including human exposure, the proposed universal PFAS restriction under REACH, the health and societal costs of PFAS pollution, and the need for strengthened monitoring and coordinated policy action across Europe.
By bringing together researchers, policymakers, public health professionals and other stakeholders, the webinar aims to support evidence-informed decision-making and contribute to ongoing discussions on how Europe can effectively reduce PFAS exposure and prevent future health and environmental impacts.
Agenda
- Welcome and moderator of the webinar - Johan Øvrevik, research director at The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)
- Launch of policy brief “Phasing Out PFAS in Europe: Urgent Actions to Protect Health and Environment” - Line Småstuen Haug, Senior Scientist at NIPH
- Update on health effects of PFAS - Viviane Andre, Safe and sustainable chemicals Unit (C4), DG Environment, European Commission
- Time trends of PFAS in humans including new insights from Norway - Dorte Herzke, Senior Scientist at NIPH
- Recent data on time trends of PFAS in toddlers from Finland - Panu Rantakokko, Senior Researcher at The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
- Status of PFAS restriction process - Ignacio de la Flor Tejero, Regulatory Officer, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Concluding remarks: Johan Øvrevik, research director at NIPH
Link to registration will be published soon here.