A new report has revealed a staggering truth: the global use of toxic PFAS chemicals costs society about $17.5 trillion each year—while the companies making them earn only around $4 billion in profits.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down naturally. They’re used in thousands of everyday items like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. They help resist heat, stains, and water—but at a massive cost to our health and the environment.
Big Impact, Small Benefit
The report comes from ChemSec, a Swedish non-profit that works to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Their goal? To show just how off-balance the PFAS equation is. While a few companies make billions, the rest of us are stuck paying for cleanup and suffering the health consequences.
“We’re talking about huge costs for governments and individuals,” said Peter Pierrou, ChemSec’s communications director. “Meanwhile, the profit made by these companies is tiny in comparison. It’s just ridiculous.”
What Makes PFAS So Dangerous?
These chemicals have been linked to serious health problems like:
- Cancer
- Thyroid issues
- Liver and kidney disease
- Birth defects
- Autoimmune disorders
And they’re nearly impossible to remove from the environment. In fact, PFAS are now found in the drinking water of at least 200 million Americans and across much of Europe too.
Who’s Behind It?
ChemSec identified 12 companies responsible for most PFAS production, including major names like:
- 3M
- Chemours
- Solvay
- Daikin
- Honeywell
- BASF
- Merck
- Bayer
3M recently announced plans to stop making PFAS due to pressure from lawsuits and regulations.
Who Pays the Price?
ChemSec’s report breaks down the $17.5 trillion annual societal cost into four areas:
- Cleaning up soil and water
- Healthcare expenses for affected individuals
- Monitoring pollution levels
- Other environmental management efforts
Even more shocking: while PFAS chemicals sell for about $20 per kilogram, their true cost to society is closer to $20,000 per kilogram when everything is factored in.
Are PFAS Really Essential?
PFAS are used in everything from pizza boxes to medical devices. But ChemSec found that only 8% of their use is truly essential—like in semiconductors and certain medical tools. Most everyday uses, like waterproofing jackets or greaseproofing food wrappers, could be done with safer alternatives.
Industry leaders argue that banning PFAS would hurt vital sectors. But experts say those claims are exaggerated. "The essential uses are actually very few,” Pierrou said. “Most of these chemicals are used in ways we just don’t need.”
What’s Next?
Some places are already taking action. Maine has passed a law to ban all non-essential PFAS uses by 2030, and the EU is considering similar legislation. If these bans move forward, PFAS could disappear from most consumer products—and that could be a win for both our health and our planet.
For now, though, the pressure is on companies and lawmakers to decide: is a little stain resistance really worth a trillion-dollar health crisis?
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/06/pfas-toxic-forever-…
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