PFAS phase-out is challenge but also opportunity, says ChemSec

The speciality gases industry has been warned about the urgent need to engage with the work that will go into phasing out the use of PFAS chemicals in the years ahead.

The warning was issued by Theresa Kjell, Head of Chemicals Policy for the Sweden-founded non-profit environmental organisation ChemSec. She was addressing delegates at the Speciality Gas Summit 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It is a group of more than 10,000 manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1940s for their water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties. PFAS are often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or the human body and accumulate over time, leading to widespread contamination of water, soil, and food.

“The challenge to phase out PFAS is urgent because these are persistent chemicals that are mobile and get everywhere. Today there are in our environment and even in our blood,” said Kjell. “Knowledge about them was low two years ago but now more is known and industry is engaged, while governments understand the scope of the challenge and are busy framing legislation.”