Parliament backs substitution principle for PFOS environment
08 Jan '07
3 min read
When reviewing derogations in the light of new information, the Commission ensure that: the uses of PFOS are phased out as soon as the use of safer alternatives is technically and economically feasible; a derogation is only continued for essential uses for which safer alternatives do not exist and where it has been reported what has been undertaken to find safer alternatives; releases of PFOS into the environment have been minimised, by applying best available techniques.
Lastly, the Commission will keep under review the ongoing risk assessment activities and the availability of safer alternative substances or technologies related to the uses of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related substances and propose any measures needed to reduce identified risks, including restrictions of marketing and use, in particular when safer alternative substances or technologies which are technically and economically feasible are available.
Member States will have 18 months to enact the directive in national law, i.e. up to mid-2008.
The major use of PFOS is in the manufacturing process to give grease, stain and water repellence properties to materials. Thus textiles for apparel and upholstery; carpets; paper and packaging; leather; adhesives; and general coatings are examples of goods that will be affected.
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
