EU Girds for Fight on ‘Essential Uses’ of PFAS, Other Substances

A battle is brewing in Brussels over the introduction of a new concept into European Union chemicals law that could make it harder for companies to get approval for hazardous substances.

Companies fear that the concept, under which only the “essential use” of hazardous chemicals would be permitted, could be applied to large groups of substances, in effect prohibiting them from many applications.

A strict application of the idea could limit numerous chemicals for use only in products such as medical equipment or protective workplace clothing, while barring them from most consumer products, where their properties might be considered desirable ...