Read the full article by Stuart Braun (Deutsche Welle)
“From solar panels to wind turbines, batteries and hydrogen cells, many renewable energy technologies driving the energy transition share a common ingredient: a class of man-made substances known as ‘forever chemicals.’
The group contains 10,000 synthetic chemicals also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment and can take thousands of years to degrade.
Widely detected in drinking water, exposure to certain levels of PFAS is linked to increased risk of cancer, suppressed immune function, decreased fertility and developmental delays in children.
These health impacts have inspired bans on well-publicized sources of toxic PFAS such as clothing waterproofing sprays, Teflon non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, packaging and cosmetic products.
While recent bans in France, New Zealand and Denmark target specific PFAS used in consumer products, the European Union wants a broader ban.”…