PFAS
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used throughout society and in industries. However, they are also increasingly detected as environmental pollutants and some are linked to negative effects on human health. With regulations constantly changing, this short piece gives an insight into the current matters surrounding the forever chemicals.
By Lyndsey Denton-Fray, Valve World
PFAS industry updates
PFAS in water
According to the Brussels Times, the Brussels- Capital Region is joining legal action over PFAS contamination after a soil investigation discovered PFAS chemical levels up to 708 and 1,058 times the permitted limit in soil and groundwater. Further tests showed that the PFAS intervention limit was exceeded by up to 2,449 times in the soil and by up to 10,000 times in the groundwater. The company responsible is disputing their responsibility in cleaning up the polluted soil. In the Netherlands, The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate( ILT) has warned in a report sent to the House of Representatives that PFAS in pesticides pose a growing danger to drinking water in the Netherlands. An analysis by Greenpeace also showed that the water in 32 % of areas contains PFAS levels that are at least 1.5 times the recommended safety level.
PFAS in clothing
According to the European Chemicals Agency( ECHA), from 10 October 2026, the European Union will restrict certain concentrations of PFHxA and related substances in clothing and footwear, marking a significant expansion of PFAS regulations affecting the apparel and textile industry.
PFAS in industry
As for PFAS in industry, restrictions aren’ t so simple. The ECHA has planned to set a timeline for PFAS restrictions, but how this will affect the valve industry is still not clear. While a blanket ban is under evaluation, industry associations like the European Sealing Association and Valve Manufacturers Association are pushing for risk-based differentiation and“ essential use” or timelimited derogations for fluoropolymers used in critical industrial machinery components.
70 Valve World November 2026 www. valve-world. net