In May 2025, the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) released a powerful position paper addressing the growing public health threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a vast group of synthetic chemicals commonly known as “Forever Chemicals.” These substances are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, their extreme persistence in the environment and the human body has raised serious concerns.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?
PFAS are found in thousands of everyday items, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, electronics, and even medical devices. With over 10,000 known PFAS compounds, their widespread use has led to ubiquitous environmental contamination. These chemicals do not break down naturally, and they accumulate in the environment and in human tissue over time.
The ECL highlights that avoiding exposure is nearly impossible, as PFAS are now detected in soil, water, air, and human blood. Their bioaccumulative and mobile nature makes them especially hazardous.
The Link Between PFAS and Cancer
The position paper emphasizes the growing body of scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure to serious health risks, particularly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA, a well-known PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Another compound, PFOS, is considered possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).
Beyond cancer, PFAS exposure is associated with:
- Thyroid disease
- Liver damage
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive and developmental harm
These findings underscore the urgent need for preventive action to protect public health.
ECL’s Policy Recommendations
The ECL calls on the European Union and its member states to take decisive action through a comprehensive, group-wide restriction on PFAS. Their key recommendations include:
- Broad Restriction with Minimal Exemptions:
- Support the EU-wide proposal to restrict all PFAS as a group.
- Allow exemptions only when no safer alternatives exist, and ensure they are time-bound to encourage innovation.
- Application of the Precautionary Principle:
- Act now to prevent harm, especially given the long latency period of cancer and the irreversible nature of PFAS contamination.
- Public Health as a Priority:
- Recognize PFAS regulation as a cancer prevention strategy.
- Consider the economic burden of PFAS-related diseases on healthcare systems.
- Transparency and Consumer Rights:
- Ensure that consumers and workers are informed about PFAS in products.
- Promote PFAS-free labeling and public education campaigns.
- Investment in Research and Monitoring:
- Fund independent studies on PFAS health effects.
- Establish biomonitoring programs to track exposure levels in the population.
A Vision for a PFAS-Free Future
The ECL’s position is clear: the risks posed by PFAS far outweigh their benefits. The organization urges policymakers to act swiftly and decisively to phase out these chemicals and protect future generations from preventable harm. This paper is not only a scientific and policy document—it is a call to action for a healthier, cancer-free Europe.
