The impact of PFAS on the medical and pharmaceutical industry

PFAS are synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil, used in many products. They are poorly degradable and harmful to the environment and health, linked to cancer, immune issues, high cholesterol, and pregnancy complications. Due to these risks, there's increasing media attention and calls for stricter regulations and safer alternatives. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is working on a proposal, submitted by five European countries, to restrict all PFAS use, allowing exceptions only where no alternatives exist or socio-economic benefits outweigh the risks. The proposal is currently under scientific evaluation by ECHA's independent committees.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are used in various areas of medical technology and pharmaceutical packaging due to their properties. Here are some examples:

• Endoscopy: PFAS improve the gliding properties of endoscopes, which reduces the risk of injury to patients.
• Cardiology: They are used in cardiac catheters and stents to increase their durability and performance
• Minimally invasive surgery: they are used in instruments used in minimally invasive surgery.
• Blister packs: PFAS are used to improve the barrier properties of blister packs, protecting the drugs from moisture and oxygen
• Seals and closures: PFAS are used in gaskets, pharmaceutical stoppers and pharmaceutical closures to ensure a secure and tight seal.

These applications make PFAS important components, although their environmental and health risks are increasingly being criticized.

Due to their persistence in the environment and potential health hazards, regulators are considering banning PFAS partially or completely. Regulatory changes to PFAS are therefore imminent: the ECHA has published proposals to restrict thousands of PFAS substances, which are due to come into force in the next few years. However, PFAS are difficult to replace, which is why companies are looking for alternatives. There are discussions about exemptions from the planned ban for certain applications.