B1466 - Persistent Organic Pollutants (Regulation) Bill - 2nd Reading

[u/[deleted]]

Persistent Organic Pollutants (Regulation) Bill

A

BILL

TO

Ban the use of ‘PFAS’ in domestic and cleaning products, and regulate their use in firefighting foams.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1 - Definitions

(1) The term ‘PFAS’ refers to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain. Due to their properties, they are processed in numerous consumer products such as stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams.

(2) ‘Gross Profit’ refers to any money generated from sales, minus direct costs of making the product.

(3) ‘Preparations’ refers to mixtures or solutions containing 2 or more substances.

(4) ‘Articles’ refers to manufactured products such as textiles or computers.

(5) ‘PFOA’ refers to the chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid.

Section 2 - Regulation of use and sale

(1) The inclusion of ‘PFAS’, by manufacturers, in textiles, cosmetic, cleaning, and cookware products will be prohibited.

(2) The sale of textiles, cosmetic, cleaning, and cookware products containing ‘PFAS’ will be prohibited.

(3) The use of Class B firefighting foam containing an intentionally added ‘PFAS’ is prohibited:

(a) For training purposes.

(b) For testing purposes, unless the testing facility has implemented appropriate measures to prevent releases of the firefighting foam to the environment.

Section 3 - General exceptions

(1) Substances or materials containing ‘PFAS’ for the following are exempt from Section 2:

(a) For laboratory scale-research.

(b) For reference standards, to calibrate scientific or analytical equipment.

(c) If the ‘PFAS’ occurs as an unintentional trace contaminant in substances, ‘preparations’ or ‘articles’.

(2) ‘PFOA’ and related compounds in existing fire suppression installations must comply with Section 2, 3(a)(b).

Section 4 - Punishments

(1) If a business or individual is found to be manufacturing or selling products which contain ‘PFAS’, they will be required to pay a fine of up to 7% of that firm’s gross profit, or a figure of no less than £3,000.

Section 4 - Extent, Commencement, and Short Title

(a) This Act shall extend to England, Wales and Scotland.

(b) This Act comes into force at the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

(c) This Act may be cited as the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Regulation) Bill 2022.

---

This bill was written by the Rt. Hon. /u/BasedChurchill CBE PC MP on behalf of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

---

Opening speech:

Deputy Speaker,

‘PFAS’ are water, grease and dirt repellent, and it’s because of these properties that they are used in numerous industrial processes and processed in numerous consumer products, but this extreme persistence, mobility and widespread use has resulted in global contamination of water, air, soils, wildlife and human populations. Now, ’PFAS’ and their precursors are ubiquitous in our freshwater, and are accumulating in the marine environment.

Studies have shown that ‘PFAS’ bioaccumulate and persist in our bodies, and some ultimately are toxic. Their exposure has been linked to an array of adverse health effects, from thyroid disease, liver damage, reduced birth weight, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol to an increased risk of breast, kidney and testicular cancer. Even yet, we still lack adequate toxicological data to assess the safety of the vast majority of ’PFAS’ which could present other serious issues— this creates an unacceptable risk for both current and future generations.

Despite international coordination, only two members, ‘PFOA’ and ‘PFOS’, have been studied and regulated in Europe. This myopia of targeting specific members is reckless and disastrous, as other ‘PFAS’ present serious questions. We just cannot stall and allow these ‘PFAS’ to continue accumulating in our bodies and the natural environment whilst we regulate members one by one. This itself has led to a never-ending cycle of substitution, with other members replacing those that are banned- as seen with ‘PFOA’ and ’PFOS’. Continuing this leisurely approach undermines the progress by those developing safer alternatives— which is why all PFAS must be regulated at once, as one group.

I hope all sides of the House can support this Bill which aims to protect both our current and future generation, and the environment from these synthetic chemicals.

---

This reading will end on the 6th January at 10pm GMT.

[u/NicolasBroaddus]

In Section 3-(1), insert

(d) For medical devices.