EU enforcement gaps allow PFAS in consumer products above legal limits

Eve Irvine announced the appointment of Hélène Duguy, a senior environmental lawyer with ClientEarth, to lead the organization’s efforts on PFAS contamination. The move comes amid growing concern over the prevalence of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been identified in water, soil, food, consumer goods and even in human tissue across multiple regions.

Duguy highlighted that while scientific understanding of PFAS hazards is extensive, viable alternatives exist for many applications and a comprehensive regulatory framework has already been established. She argued that the principal obstacle is not a lack of knowledge or legislation but the weak enforcement of existing rules, the slow pace of regulatory updates and persistent corporate resistance, which together allow hazardous chemicals to remain in circulation despite existing restrictions. Strengthening compliance mechanisms and accelerating policy implementation are now being positioned as the next critical steps to curb PFAS exposure.