About this Episode
Sweden plans to ban PFAS chemicals in many consumer products from January 2028. The restrictions would cover clothing, shoes, cosmetics, kitchenware, waterproofing products and ski wax.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because many break down extremely slowly and can remain in water, soil and the human body for decades. They are used to make products resistant to water, grease, heat and stains. Long-term exposure to some PFAS has been linked to cancers, fertility problems, liver damage and weaker immune responses.
Sweden would not be the first European country to introduce such restrictions. France and Denmark already limit PFAS in several products, while the European Union bans or restricts certain individual chemicals. However, the EU has not yet adopted a broad ban covering the entire PFAS family in everyday consumer goods.
The European Commission is expected to propose wider EU rules next year, but approval and implementation could take longer.
