Europe faces a staggering €440 billion price tag by 2050 if PFAS — the so-called “forever chemicals” — continue to pollute the environment unchecked, a new study warns.

 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems, creating costs for society through illness, costly cleanup of contaminated water and soil, and disruption of vital natural processes like pollination.

 

Using the latest data and improved methodology, researchers have provided a conservative estimate of PFAS’ economic impact. The figures account for only a few of the thousands of PFAS compounds currently in circulation, suggesting the true costs could be far higher.

 

The study finds that tackling PFAS pollution at its source by 2040 could save €110 billion, while treating already contaminated water alone could exceed €1 trillion. Because PFAS persist in both humans and the environment for decades, early action is critical to curb long-term health and ecological costs.

 

Newborns, children, people living near contaminated sites, and workers at those sites are the most vulnerable populations, the research notes.

 

Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Economy, stressed the urgency: “Providing clarity on PFAS with bans for consumer uses is a top priority for both citizens and businesses. That is why this is an absolute priority for me to work on this and engage with all relevant stakeholders. Consumers are concerned, and rightly so. This study underlines the urgency to act.”

 

The European Commission has committed to protecting these groups while balancing industrial needs and transitioning to safer alternatives.