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- Ελληνικά
At European level, a public consultation is underway to ban the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluorinated alkylated chemicals (PFAS) in chemical mixtures and articles. These chemicals are highly persistent and persistent, i.e. they remain in the environment longer than any other chemical and accumulate in living organisms and humans causing toxic effects.
Some PFAS are toxic to reproduction and can damage the development of embryos, others can cause cancer, and some are suspected to interfere with the human endocrine (hormonal) system. It is important to minimise the release of such substances into soil and drinking water to reduce the possibility of future irreversible damage.
As part of the above consultation, the Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance reminds affected industrialists, importers, distributors, the general public, and interested organisations or scientific groups that comments or data can be submitted on the restriction proposal until 25 September 2023.
It is noted that PFAS are widely used because they have unique properties such as stability under intense heat. Many of them are also surfactant chemicals and are used as water and grease repellents.
Some of the major industrial sectors that use PFAS include the production of food contact materials, textiles, leather goods and clothing, building and household products, electronics, firefighting, food processing and medical devices.
Further information, including information material on the proposed restriction, is available on the following European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) websites:
https:/echa.europa.eu/el/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
https:/chemicalsinourlife.echa.europa.eu/why-we-care-about-forever-chemicals-and-why-you-should-too
Affected parties, as well as other interested parties, are invited to submit their comments via the following ECHA website:
https:/echa.europa.eu/en/el/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/72301/term
In particular, data are requested on affected sectors, estimated socio-economic costs, proposed exemptions, transition periods, available analytical methods, end-of-life emissions, effectiveness of waste management measures, including incineration, and available alternative chemicals by PFAS use sector.
Interested parties can contact the relevant officials at 22405609 and 22405608.
(OP/EXP)
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