PFAS - World news, culture and opinion

Pesticide use rises again in France, especially for PFAS chemicals

Amid the lack of a recent update to the government's longstanding pesticide-use indicator, the advocacy group Générations Futures released its own calculation Thursday, based on product sales data and using the official methodology.

Published on June 25, 2026, at 9:37 pm (Paris), updated on June 26, 2026, at 8:02 am Stéphane Foucart Stéphane Mandard

Column

'Most PFAS emissions in Europe come from air conditioners and heat pumps'

The debate over these chemical substances is being reignited within the European Union, as machines designed to help adapt to climate change come under fire, historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz notes in his column.

Published on June 4, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 4, 2026, at 6:01 pm Jean-Baptiste Fressoz

In Depth

PFAS: Six months after France bans 'forever chemicals,' the law is still not enforced

The competition policy, consumer affairs and anti-fraud authority is unable to carry out large-scale inspections on whether manufacturers are complying with a ban on PFAS in certain products, such as cosmetics and clothing.

Published on June 4, 2026, at 2:48 am (Paris), updated on June 4, 2026, at 10:58 am Stéphane Foucart

In Depth

PFAS: NGOs sue French state over failure to tackle 'forever chemicals'

NGOs and residents living near contaminated sites filed legal action against the state to remedy the 'ecological harm' caused by its 'culpable inaction.'

Published on May 21, 2026, at 3:15 pm (Paris), updated on May 21, 2026, at 3:19 pm Stéphane Mandard

News

Ban on toxic chemicals stalled by EU's 'limited progress'

The European Environmental Bureau and ClientEarth have considered the number of cases piling up on the European Commission's desk to be 'illegal and unacceptable' in a new report.

Published on April 24, 2026, at 12:51 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Aubert

Investigation

Can we detox our bodies from pollutants like 'forever chemicals'?

Scientists are testing methods to remove certain pollutants from the human body. These methods can be both invasive and costly, and do not prevent renewed exposure to the most widespread environmental toxins.

Published on April 18, 2026, at 12:04 pm (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:24 pm Delphine Roucaute

Visual Story

'The presence of PFAS in my blood is out of my control': Six Europeans on living in 'forever pollution' hotspots

Being a victim is neither a profession nor their identity. Meta, Cristina, Doris, Stéphanie, Mari and Toon live in PFAS contamination hotspots in six European countries.

Published on April 14, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on April 15, 2026, at 9:42 am Stéphane Horel infographic

Feature

Residents of PFAS-polluted areas turn anger into political action in Brussels

For the first time since the 'forever chemicals' scandal came to light, residents from contamination hotspots across Europe gathered in Brussels in early March to take part in political action training. Le Monde followed that historic moment.

Published on April 9, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on April 16, 2026, at 2:48 pm Stéphane Horel

News

EU experts back broad 'forever chemicals' ban

A highly anticipated report from scientific advisers to the European Union finds that PFAS present 'growing risks' to the population and the environment and should face broad limits across Europe.

Published on March 26, 2026, at 11:16 am (Paris), updated on March 26, 2026, at 11:24 am Le Monde with AFP

Investigation

How food scandals are fueling anxiety: 'I feel like the whole planet is contaminated'

Cadmium, pesticides, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other harmful substances permeate our food and contaminate us.

Published on March 15, 2026, at 11:30 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:22 pm Brune Mauger

Investigation

Residents of Lyon's 'Chemical Valley' seek compensation over PFAS contamination

Arkema and Daikin Chemicals, two companies suspected of being responsible for the largest area of PFAS pollution in France, have been summoned before the Lyon judicial court by 192 adults and children living in a polluted area south of Lyon. The plaintiffs are seeking more than €36 million in compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Published on February 3, 2026, at 9:55 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

News

PFAS: Pollution in the EU could cost up to €1.7 trillion

A study commissioned by the European Commission confirms the significant financial burden of forever chemicals for European societies, with costs varying depending on political decisions.

Published on January 29, 2026, at 11:15 am (Paris) Stéphane Horel Raphaëlle Aubert

News

French ban on 'forever chemicals' in cosmetics, clothing to enter force

The law bans the production, import or sale from January 2026 of any product for which an alternative to PFAS already exists. These include cosmetics and ski wax, as well as clothing containing the chemicals, with certain exemptions.

Published on December 30, 2025, at 4:04 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

PFAS: France's tap water is widely polluted with TFA, the most common 'forever chemical'

A French state health agency analyzed over 600 samples of drinking water. 92% of them contained traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the smallest PFAS molecule, which is suspected to be toxic.

Published on December 4, 2025, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Foucart

News

PFAS: Cereal-based foods also heavily contaminated

A groundbreaking study published on Thursday by the PAN Europe network reveals that these foods are a major source of exposure to the smallest of the forever chemicals.

Published on December 4, 2025, at 10:23 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

Investigation

PFAS: Battle in Brussels over acceptable daily intake standards for forever chemical TFA

To set new health standards, EU authorities asked the chemical industry to provide data on TFA, which is ubiquitous in the environment. The NGO Pesticide Action Network, which got access to the studies, has accused the industry of downplaying the risks.

Published on October 3, 2025, at 4:03 pm (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

News

PFAS: EU scales back its plan to ban 'forever chemicals,' sparking outrage among NGOs

An update to a proposal for a 'universal restriction' on PFAS in the European Union leaves the measure less ambitious than previously expected.

Published on September 15, 2025, at 3:22 pm (Paris), updated on September 16, 2025, at 10:26 am Stéphane Horel

Feature

These French villages have no more drinking water. The reason? PFAS pollution

Nearly 3,500 residents across 16 rural villages have been unable to drink tap water since July 10 due to a record-breaking contamination by PFAS, a group of toxic substances known as 'forever chemicals.'

Published on July 18, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

Feature

Belgian company unveils breakthrough process to decontaminate soil

The head of Haemers Technologies claims to have developed a method that eliminates forever chemicals (PFAS) by heating soil with an oxidation technique. He aims to eventually offer his solution worldwide.

Published on July 16, 2025, at 9:30 am (Paris), updated on July 19, 2025, at 1:53 pm Jean-Pierre Stroobants

In Depth

Fish, offal, cereal and eggs are also contaminated by forever chemicals

Two nonprofit group reports reveal near-universal food contamination at levels far higher than those found in water, alongside regulations that fail to provide adequate protection.

Published on June 23, 2025, at 12:29 am (Paris), updated on June 24, 2025, at 9:32 am Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Foucart

In Depth

Forever chemicals: Scientists condemn massive lobbying campaign to alter PFAS definition

In a letter published Tuesday in a scientific journal, a group of 20 researchers warn that 'this effort is politically and/or economically, rather than scientifically, motivated.'

Published on June 10, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris), updated on June 11, 2025, at 2:04 pm Stéphane Horel

News

Record levels of TFA, the most common PFAS, found in wine bottles

Very high concentrations of TFA, the smallest and most widespread PFAS compound, have been found in European wine bottles, according to the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). The use of fluorinated pesticides is strongly suspected to be the cause.

Published on April 23, 2025, at 2:45 pm (Paris), updated on April 23, 2025, at 4:41 pm Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Foucart

In Depth

France adopts 'one of the most ambitious' laws on PFAS

French MPs have adopted a bill to protect the public from the risks associated with forever chemicals. It bans their use in three product categories and imposes a charge on industrial water discharges under the 'polluter pays' principle.

Published on February 20, 2025, at 2:24 pm (Paris), updated on February 20, 2025, at 10:53 pm Stéphane Mandard

News

Those affected by pollution demand that Ursula von der Leyen 'ban PFAs now'

Communities and residents of polluted sites have been mobilizing across Europe in recent days in response to revelations by 'Le Monde and its partners concerning the cost of failing to take action against 'forever chemicals.'

Published on February 1, 2025, at 2:30 am (Paris), updated on February 1, 2025, at 2:11 pm Stéphane Horel

Column

'The contamination of the world by PFAS has led to a perfect catastrophe, dystopian in all its dimensions'

The response of political leaders to forever chemical contamination is not up to the challenge, writes Le Monde's science columnist, Stéphane Foucart.

Published on January 27, 2025, at 10:48 am (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

News

PFAS: France's drinking water is massively contaminated by 'forever chemicals,' including in Paris

Two separate campaigns conducted by the Eurofins laboratory and the UFC-Que Choisir and Générations Futures associations reveal high concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).

Published on January 24, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:41 am Raphaëlle Aubert, Stéphane Foucart, Stéphane Horel and Stéphane Mandard

News analysis

Lobbying campaign against PFAS ban highlights opacity of European decision-making

The investigation into 'forever chemicals' carried out by Le Monde and its partners reveals a lack of traceability in the exchanges between public authorities and PFAS manufacturers and users.

Published on January 17, 2025, at 9:00 am (Paris) Stéphane Horel

Investigation

When industry manipulates science to prevent a PFAS ban

A scientific article funded by an American lobbying organization for the chemical industry, widely quoted by stakeholders to influence decision-makers, illustrates a wider strategy to create doubt.

Published on January 16, 2025, at 6:01 pm (Paris), updated on January 16, 2025, at 6:02 pm Stéphane Horel

Investigation

The plastics lobby's disinformation campaign to defend PFAS

The investigation by Le Monde and its partners highlights that most of the industry's arguments against the banning of fluoropolymers are false, misleading and contradictory to science.

Published on January 16, 2025, at 5:45 am (Paris), updated on January 16, 2025, at 12:01 pm Stéphane Horel

Investigation

PFAS: How the chemical industry is derailing a ban on 'forever chemicals'

Le Monde and its 29 media partners reveal the inner workings of the intense lobbying campaign waged by the sectors using and producing PFAS to block a proposal to ban these ultra-toxic substances in the European Union.

Published on January 15, 2025, at 6:01 pm (Paris) Stéphane Horel

Feature

Excavating soil, changing lake water, no playing outside: PFAS-contaminated Flanders' dystopian disaster

West of Antwerp lies one of the worst hotspots of environmental contamination by 'forever chemicals.' The area has now become a decontamination laboratory for the rest of Europe, at the cost of monumental work and heavy sacrifices for the population.

Published on January 15, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on January 15, 2025, at 9:30 am Stéphane Horel Raphaëlle Aubert

Investigation

PFAS: In France, the cost of decontamination is vastly underestimated

According to the estimate calculated by Le Monde and its partners, France would have to spend €12 billion a year on cleaning up PFAS if the smallest of them, TFA, which is widely present in water and not yet regulated, is to be treated.

Published on January 14, 2025, at 6:01 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Aubert Stéphane Horel

In Depth

PFAS: How Le Monde estimated the cost of decontaminating Europe

To reach the first-ever estimate of how much it would cost to rid Europe's water and soils of 'forever chemicals,' Le Monde and its partners collected thousands of data points and developed a robust and unprecedented methodology.

Published on January 14, 2025, at 8:01 am (Paris), updated on January 14, 2025, at 3:58 pm Raphaëlle Aubert

Explainer

PFAS, a family of 10,000 'forever chemicals' contaminating all of humanity

Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances are synthetic chemicals that are widely used in our daily lives and in industrial processes. They are highly resistant and almost indestructible in the environment, and their toxicity is increasingly documented.

Published on January 14, 2025, at 7:01 am (Paris), updated on January 14, 2025, at 3:56 pm Raphaëlle Aubert Stéphane Horel

Investigation

PFAS: The astronomical cost of depolluting Europe

As Europe begins to realize the scale of its poisoning by these toxic and ultra-resistant chemical substances produced by industry, Le Monde and 29 media partners have, for the first time, calculated the price of decontamination.

Published on January 14, 2025, at 5:55 am (Paris), updated on January 14, 2025, at 4:21 pm Raphaëlle Aubert Stéphane Horel

Investigation

Drinking water in France threatened with non-compliance due to 'forever chemical'

The country's water resources are massively contaminated by a molecule produced by the degradation of flufenacet, a pesticide that was recently classified as an endocrine disruptor. Associations have called for an urgent ban of the product.

Published on November 12, 2024, at 12:39 pm (Paris) Stéphane Foucart Stéphane Mandard

News

PFAS: Firefighters have a 'front row seat' for contamination by 'forever chemicals'

Traces of PFAS, some of them carcinogenic, were found in the hair of all firefighters tested as part of a screening conducted by their unions and France's Green party. They are particularly exposed through firefighting foams and their waterproof outfits.

Published on May 29, 2024, at 6:48 pm (Paris) Aline Leclerc Stéphane Mandard

Op-Ed

Global PFAS experts support proposed French law to ban certain uses of 'forever chemicals'

With the French Sénat voting on a bill banning the use of PFAS 'forever chemicals' in everyday products on May 30, world-renowned scientists specialized in these substances call on senators not to weaken this 'fundamental' bill through amendments.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 3:15 pm (Paris) Collectif

In Depth

The Seine and other European rivers contaminated by a 'forever chemical' that has gone under the radar

Analyses carried out by the Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) in 10 EU countries show the widespread presence of high levels of trifluoroacetic acid, a member of the PFAS family.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 7:01 am (Paris), updated on May 27, 2024, at 8:09 am Stéphane Mandard

In Depth

US sets limit for 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency has set the first legally enforceable standard for PFAS, substances used since the 1950s in many consumer products.

Published on April 12, 2024, at 11:43 am (Paris) Corine Lesnes

News

US announces nationwide tap water standards against PFAS 'forever chemicals'

The new Environmental Protection Agency standards announced by the Biden administration set maximum levels of 5 different toxic PFAS chemicals, aiming to prevent deaths and illnesses from exposure to them.

Published on April 10, 2024, at 6:23 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

French lawmakers vote to ban 'forever chemicals' except in cooking utensils

Despite opposition from the government, the Assemblée Nationale adopted a bill to ban the use of PFAS chemicals on Thursday. The SEB industrial group, which had expressed concern over the text, welcomed an exemption for non-stick pans.

Published on April 5, 2024, at 9:09 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

News

Eight activists arrested after targeting French chemicals site

France's industry minister Roland Lescure denounced the protest on Friday, declaring on social media platform X "Disagreeing and debating, yes. Destroying, no".

Published on March 2, 2024, at 11:05 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Investigation

Record levels of 'forever chemicals' found in one French village's water

Unprecedented analyses are revealing spectacular levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in streams around a PFAS production plant in Salindres, in southern France, as well as in the village's drinking water.

Published on February 7, 2024, at 3:00 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2024, at 10:16 am Stéphane Horel

News

European officials test positive for forever chemicals

NGOs have measured 'forever chemicals' in the blood of a dozen European politicians. Among them is former European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans, who is calling for a ban on these substances.

Published on February 1, 2024, at 1:21 am (Paris), updated on February 17, 2024, at 10:23 am Stéphane Horel

Investigation

Forever chemicals found in the blood of residents of one French town

Despite high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in the water of the southeastern town of Rumilly back in 2017, the authorities have neither acted on this information nor alerted residents.

Published on November 29, 2023, at 2:12 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2024, at 10:27 am Stéphane Horel

News

Banning the most harmful chemicals could help Europe save up to €31 billion a year

A confidential study by the European Commission, which Le Monde was able to read, estimated the health benefits of withdrawing such substances.

Published on July 11, 2023, at 5:13 pm (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

News

'Forever pollution' is everywhere, even in MPs' hair

Several PFAS chemicals, some of them banned, were detected in the hair samples of 14 French environmentalist lawmakers. MP Nicolas Thierry is calling for mandatory testing of drinking water.

Published on June 28, 2023, at 11:54 am (Paris) Stéphane Horel Stéphane Mandard

News

'Forever chemicals': 3M pays $10.3B settlement in drinking water litigation

The settlement reached on Thursday, June 22, involves a bevy of cases out of South Carolina involving cities and public water agencies versus 3M, and is by far the largest PFAS settlement made by the Minnesota-based conglomerate.

Published on June 23, 2023, at 12:37 am (Paris), updated on June 23, 2023, at 7:21 am Le Monde with AFP

Investigation

Arkema faces criminal charges for forever chemical contamination in Lyon region

Associations and residents near the Pierre-Bénite plant in the 'chemical valley' are taking legal action against the company, after an investigation revealed high levels of PFAS in the blood of local inhabitants and employees.

Published on June 5, 2023, at 6:25 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Horel

In Depth

Plastic pollution is a multi-faceted threat

Over 350 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated worldwide every year, a quantity that is expected to triple by 2060 if nothing is done.

Published on May 29, 2023, at 8:46 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

Op-Ed

'Digital means are able to guarantee traceability and enable transparency of chemicals'

Without updating and reforming the European Union's REACH legislation on chemicals, there will be no real Green Deal in Europe, writes Joël Decaillon, vice-president of the BRIDGE think tank.

Published on April 25, 2023, at 4:32 pm (Paris) Joël Decaillon

News

PFAS: Exposure to 'forever chemicals' also contributes to the obesity pandemic

A Danish study published in the research journal 'Obesity' shows a link between exposure to these highly toxic chemicals and weight gain in obese people.

Published on April 19, 2023, at 10:19 am (Paris), updated on April 19, 2023, at 11:36 am Florence Rosier Stéphane Mandard

Investigation

Initial assessment of PFAS pollution in France is 'worrying'

A report commissioned in February 2022 highlighted major gaps in the monitoring of these 'forever chemicals.'

Published on April 16, 2023, at 5:02 am (Paris), updated on April 16, 2023, at 1:44 pm Stéphane Mandard

Interview

Robert Bilott: 'The battle is going to be big, but companies must pay for forever pollution from PFAS'

The American lawyer has been warning about the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for nearly 25 years. He believes that immediate measures must be taken to protect public health.

Published on March 28, 2023, at 11:50 am (Paris), updated on March 28, 2023, at 3:03 pm Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Horel

News

'Forever chemicals': US moves to enforce stricter limits in drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new rules on polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, that have been found to cause cancer and other health problems.

Published on March 15, 2023, at 10:31 am (Paris), updated on March 15, 2023, at 11:23 am Le Monde with AFP

Op-Ed

'It is crucial that a strong and effective PFAS restriction enter into force as soon as possible'

A group of scientists from the Global PFAS Science Panel responds to Le Monde's revelations on Europe's widespread contamination by PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals' because of their toxicity and persistence in the environment.

Published on February 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm (Paris), updated on March 28, 2023, at 4:03 pm Group letter

Investigation

'Forever chemicals': Industrialists lobby to avoid ban on toxic substances

While Europe is working on ambitious regulatory restrictions for PFAS, the chemical industry is pulling out all the stops to avoid a sweeping ban on these toxic and lucrative substances.

Published on February 25, 2023, at 5:27 am (Paris), updated on February 27, 2023, at 1:01 pm Stéphane Horel

Investigation

Rumilly, France: The 'world capital of the frying pan' and a 'forever chemical' hotspot

The water tables of the eastern French town are contaminated by a chemical compound banned since 2020 and long used by Tefal for the non-stick coating of its cookware.

Published on February 24, 2023, at 5:50 am (Paris), updated on February 24, 2023, at 3:56 pm Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Horel

Investigation

'Forever chemicals': In France, nearly 1,000 PFAS-contaminated sites are largely ignored

The investigation by 'Le Monde' and 17 media partners revealed the presence of dozens of French sites where the pollution levels are considered hazardous to health.

Published on February 24, 2023, at 5:50 am (Paris), updated on February 24, 2023, at 9:51 am Stéphane Horel Stéphane Mandard