Scholz opposes an all-encompassing prohibition on chemical compounds.
"Chancellor Olaf Scholz isn't in favor of an all-encompassing ban on certain chemical groups without differentiation. During a gathering with the Chemical Industry Association (VCI) in Berlin, he stated that chemicals like PFAS, often referred to as 'eternal chemicals', should only be prohibited if their harmful effects are proven and safer alternatives exist.
He explained that as long as alternatives lack and their benefits exceed, their usage should stay permissible, like in medical devices, semiconductors, or electrolyzers.** "Until proper alternatives emerge, we need transition periods and exceptions," Scholz stressed.
The German government remains dedicated to implementing a 'realistic and fair' approach towards regulating PFAS chemicals and revising the EU Chemicals Regulation (REACH), Scholz informed German chemical companies. "Count on this for the future. It's crucial to have a distinct path in the Brussels political scene."
Chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) aren't found naturally in the environment and have an extremely long lifespan, depending on the substance. They tend to build up over time. The chemical group is believed to encompass more than 10,000 distinct compounds, many of which are highly toxic, especially harmful to a child's development. PFAS are suspected of causing liver damage and potentially leading to kidney and testicular cancer.**
Due to their special traits, these compounds are utilized in a broad range of products, from clothing to cookware to cosmetics. In the European Union, the idea of banning PFAS with certain exemptions is being debated. Industry associations view this as a possible threat to advanced industries."
Chancellor Scholz emphasized that while safer alternatives for harmful chemicals like PFAS are not yet available, their use should be permitted in areas where their benefits outweigh the risks, such as in medical devices or semiconductors. The chancellor also advocated for transition periods and exceptions until viable alternatives emerge.
Understanding the complexity of regulating PFAS, Scholz assured the chemical industry that the German government will adopt a 'realistic and fair' approach, valuing the need for a clear path in the Brussels political scene and considering other chemicals within the same group with varying levels of toxicity and applications.
