On January 1, a ban on items made with “forever chemicals” went into effect in France. Also known as PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), forever chemicals get their name because they don’t break down naturally.
PFAS are found in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, clothing, dental floss, and carpets. The ban, which was passed in 2025, prohibits the production, sale, importing, and exporting of items that contain PFAS (excluding certain fabrics and nonstick pans).
Prolonged exposure to PFAS is linked to health issues in humans, such as liver damage and cancer. When products containing forever chemicals end up in landfills and oceans, PFAS make their way into groundwater, soil, and crops, where they can remain for hundreds of years. Forever chemicals have been found in human blood and brains…
