PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
A family of highly persistent synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products — known as 'forever chemicals' due to their environmental persistence.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances — commonly called 'forever chemicals' due to their extreme environmental persistence. A class of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals characterised by fluorine-carbon bonds — among the strongest in chemistry. Used in firefighting foams (AFFF), non-stick coatings, water-repellent textiles, and industrial processes. PFAS do not break down in the environment, bioaccumulate in organisms, and are highly mobile in water. ~70% of EU groundwater monitoring points show PFAS contamination. Directive (EU) 2026/805 lists 25 PFAS in a sum (No.65) for surface water with a biota EQS as the primary compliance criterion.
Legal reference
Directive (EU) 2026/805 Annex VI, Recital 15