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ECHA Proposes a ban of PFASs in firefighting foams

On the 23^rd of February 2022, the REACH Annex XV restriction dossier was published addressing PFASs’ risks in firefighting foams to human health and the environment. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposes an EU-wide restriction on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in firefighting foams.

The proposal by ECHA is aimed at preventing further contamination of the soil and its health risks to people and the environment. It is known that PFASs have caused environmental contamination to the soil and drinking water in the EU.

If adopted, there will be a transition period for industries to replace PFASs in the firefighting foams. Industries will also have to properly dispose expired and waste foams while transitioning away from using these PFASs. The consultation period for this proposal starts from the 23^rd of March 2022 for six months, during which anyone can give comments.

Based on the proposal, the transition period will include:

• three years for civilian ships
• five years for portable fire extinguishers
• five years for any other use
• 8 months for training and testing
• 10 years for fire service establishments covered by the Seveso Directive, and
• 18 months for municipal fire services (except if they are also in charge of establishing industrial fires, which is covered by the Seveso Directive)