French ban on 'forever chemicals' in cosmetics, clothing to enter force

This photograph taken at the French cosmetic company 'L'Oreal' on November 17, 2022, shows make up bottles' covers at the production center in L'Oreal factory in Ormes, central France. GUILLAUME SOUVANT / AFP

A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening "forever chemicals" goes into force on Thursday, December 30.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals used since the late 1940s to mass produce the non-stick, waterproof and stain-resistant treatments that coat everything from frying pans to umbrellas, carpets and dental floss.

Because PFAS take an extremely long time to break down – earning them their "forever" nickname – they have seeped into the soil and groundwater, and from there into the food chain and drinking water.

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