Background
PFAS is a general term for organic fluorine compounds, of which there are said to be over 10,000 types, and includes not only low molecular weight compounds such as PFOA and PFOS, but also high molecular weight polymers such as PTFE. PFAS has properties such as high heat resistance and chemical resistance due to C-F bonds, and is used in various industries. However, in recent years, due to its strong binding strength, it has a tendency to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate, and there are concerns that it may be harmful to the human body. Among the PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS are already subject to regulation under the European chemical substance management regulation REACH regulation, and their manufacture, use, and marketing are prohibited in principle. This trend is not limited to the EU; these substances are also registered as substances subject to elimination under the international Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs Convention). In addition, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the publisher of the REACH regulation, is currently discussing a plan to collectively regulate not just some PFAS, but more than 10,000 PFAS. At the earliest, the regulation will go into effect as early as 2025, and it is said that, with the exception of some uses, production, use, and marketing may be prohibited in principle after an 18-month grace period.
