POPs in Waste – EU Commission proposing new strict limits
The European Commission adopted a proposal to protect human health and the environment from some of the most harmful chemicals in waste – Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
The proposal tightens the limits for these chemicals in waste, preventing them from re-entering the economy.
With today’s proposal, the Commission is proposing to introduce stringent limits for the following three substances, or groups of substances, in waste:
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and related compounds – found in waterproof textiles and fire-fighting foams;
- dicofol – a pesticide, previously used in agriculture;
- pentachlorophenol, its salts and esters – found in treated wood and textiles.
In addition, the Commission is proposing to tighten the maximum limits in waste for another five substances or substance groups that are already regulated.
The proposal is an important step in achieving a more circular economy as announced under the Circular Economy Action Plan. It contributes to the European Green Deal‘s Zero Pollution Action Plan and to the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability with its associated action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed “forever chemicals”.
Ekotox Centers provide support and assistance for customers in Chemicals Management including POPs: https://ekotox.com.ua/chemicals-management/
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