“Forever chemical” – PFBS – added to Europe’s list of substances of very high concern

The European Chemicals Agency has recognised Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid, PFBS (and its salts) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). PFBS is part of the large group of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds), also referred to “forever chemicals” due to their high persistence in the environment. PFAS have raised significant scientific health and environmental concerns over the last decade, but they are still widely used in industrial processing due to their water- and stain-repellent properties.

The identification of PFBS as a substance of very high concern was proposed by Norway and discussed at the ECHA Member States Committee, which met on 9-11 December in Helsinki . The committee unanimously agreed that PFBS together with its salts meet the SVHC identification criteria under REACH article 57.