Invisible yet omnipresent, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in everything from non-stick pans to smartphones. While these chemicals are essential for modern industry, their "forever" nature means they accumulate in our environment and bodies, posing significant health risks.

In the latest episode of 'The Road to Green', Euronews explores how Europe is transitioning towards a PFAS-free future.

The journey begins in Italy's Veneto region, the site of one of Europe's most serious contamination scandals, where industrial runoff polluted the drinking water of 300,000 residents for decades.

Euronews speaks to the "Mamme No PFAS" activists fighting for their children's health, as well as visiting local water utilities investing millions in advanced filtration.

The focus then shifts to Sweden, where the EU's "universal restriction" strategy is taking shape - a landmark proposal under the REACH regulation that aims to ban the manufacture, use, and sale of approximately 10,000 PFAS.

At Stockholm University, scientists are mapping safer alternatives for sensitive sectors like electronics and medical devices. By collaborating with NGOs like ChemSec and forward-thinking brands like IKEA and Marshall, the EU is proving that industrial innovation can thrive without toxic persistence.

This shift marks a vital step towards the EU's Zero Pollution ambition, ensuring a cleaner legacy for generations to come.

Watch the latest episode of 'The Road to Green' below to learn more.

Watch on Euronews here

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Disclaimer

DG ENV co-finances the production of the Road to Green, while Euronews retain full editorial independence. Views and opinions expressed in the programme are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the European Commission or any other entities. 

Background

PFAS contamination significantly harms human health and threatens our water security, agricultural safety, and long-term economic stability. This is why citizens are demanding action as the scale of the crisis becomes clear.

Under new rules entering into application in January this year, EU Member States must monitor, in a harmonised way, PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure compliance with the new EU limit values under the recast Drinking Water Directive.

Last year's Water Resilience Strategy will also tackle the issue of PFAS in our drinking water, alongside the Chemicals Industry Action Plan, which targets waste streams.

The  EU's first Soil Monitoring Law, which entered into force in December 2025, provides additional PFAS monitoring requirements for our soils and Member States continue to enforce the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which will further eliminate PFAS from the global supply chain.