PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Contaminate Europe’s Environment and People | Latest Updates
Growing PFAS Pollution and Health Risks Across Europe
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals” for their extreme persistence in the environment, are contaminating communities across Europe, from bloodstreams to drinking water and food sources. Scientific evidence links PFAS exposure, even at low levels, to liver damage, cancer, immune system impairment, reproductive problems, and more.
Recent studies show troubling exposure levels among European teenagers, with as many as 14.3% exceeding safe blood concentrations and significant variation between countries, from 1.3% in Spain to 23.8% in France.
Country Responses: From Tough Laws to Scandals
France leads with stringent regulations banning PFAS in cosmetics, textiles, clothing, and shoes by 2026-2030, along with mandatory PFAS water monitoring. Some regions have even banned tap water use due to contamination.
Belgium’s Wallonia grappled with PFAS crises linked to decades-old military firefighting foam pollution, prompting large-scale blood testing and earlier-than-scheduled implementation of EU drinking water standards.
Italy has made headlines with criminal convictions of chemical plant executives responsible for polluting water and soil across large areas.
The Netherlands reports PFAS in all blood samples tested nationwide, confirming widespread exposure from multiple sources.
The EU Pushes for a Broad PFAS Ban with Challenges
In 2023, a coalition of Northern European countries proposed an EU-wide ban on all PFAS chemicals, pending scientific evaluation expected in 2026. The European Commission plans to propose restrictions aimed at minimising PFAS emissions, cleaning polluted sites, and possibly banning many consumer uses, balancing public health with industrial needs.
However, some German state officials oppose a blanket ban, citing potential harm to the chemical industry and disruptions in the EU economy.
Unequal Exposure Across Europe
PFAS contamination levels vary widely. Countries like Slovenia and Bulgaria experience lower levels due to lesser industrial activities, though traces still exist in water and consumer products. Systematic water monitoring is set to expand in coming years.
The Stakes and Next Steps
With an estimated 23,000 contaminated sites and over 12 million Europeans exposed to PFAS-polluted drinking water, addressing this crisis is urgent. The health consequences, ecological damage, and remediation costs could reach hundreds of billions of euros.
Experts, advocacy groups, and policymakers call for comprehensive bans, industrial accountability, tighter regulations, advanced water treatment technologies, and transparent public monitoring.
Stay tuned to PFAS Pulse to track Europe’s evolving PFAS policies, pollution hotspots, and the latest scientific insights to protect public health.
Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
The PFAS Treatment Europe 2025 conference is a major industry event focused on advanced solutions for treating PFAS contamination. It brings together utilities, water companies, regulators, and industry experts to share the latest developments, strategies, and innovations for managing PFAS in Europe. Key topics include regulatory updates, remediation technologies, socio-economic impacts, and case studies from across the continent. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , will be in attendance.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."