By Abbas Nazil
The European Union’s environment commissioner, Jessika Roswall, has revealed that she tested positive for harmful ‘forever chemicals’ during a recent screening meant to raise awareness about the dangers of these pollutants.
Roswall disclosed the results on Monday, saying that she had six out of thirteen per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in her blood, including three linked to toxic effects on reproductive health.
She admitted that some of the concentrations were above recommended safety levels and emphasized that the discovery only strengthens her determination to advance the EU’s efforts to protect people and nature from hazardous substances.
The commissioner joined ministers across the bloc in testing earlier this year to highlight the growing risk posed by PFAS, which are synthetic chemicals widely used in nonstick pans, stain-proof fabrics, food packaging and many industrial products.
Often described as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in nature, PFAS have been linked to serious health problems including liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights, and certain cancers.
Roswall noted that citizens across Europe are increasingly exposed to PFAS, stressing that she herself was not exempt.
The European Commission is preparing to propose a ban on PFAS in most consumer products by next year, with limited exceptions such as medical devices.
At the same time, officials are working on a long-delayed update to EU regulations on dangerous chemicals under the REACH framework.
That revision has already faced setbacks after an internal assessment body called for a stronger proposal.
Environmental groups are urging the commission not to delay further, warning that continued exposure will deepen health risks and environmental damage.
Despite the political and regulatory challenges, the commissioner said her personal test results demonstrate the urgency of accelerating Europe’s action on forever chemicals.
