As of: 03/31/2023 6:01 p.m
Certain PFAS chemicals are said to be carcinogenic. The problem: In some places they got into the drinking water. The Federal Council has now introduced limit values. For some experts, that doesn’t go far enough.
In the pan, in the outdoor jacket, in the fire extinguishing foam and even in the pizza box: so-called “PFAS chemicals” are found in countless products. PFAS are water, grease and dirt-repellent and are considered a silver bullet in industry.
But there is also a downside. Some PFAS have long been suspected of being carcinogenic. In addition: The substances do not degrade naturally, and in many places in Germany these “forever chemicals” are already in the soil and in the drinking water.
New limit values from 2026
The Federal Council now has a new one regulation launched to better protect drinking water, which is due to come into force in May. From 2026 suppliers must then ensure that the total of 20 PFAS substances does not exceed the limit of 100 nanograms per liter. For the four most serious PFAS, a maximum value of 20 nanograms per liter is planned from 2028.
Many environmentalists, politicians and experts welcome the limit values and speak of an important step in the right direction. Compulsory measurements would finally give you an overview of the pollution in Germany. Nevertheless, there is criticism.
Chemists criticize the level of the PFAS limit values
Gerhard Merches, chemical engineer and district chairman at Bund Naturschutz Altötting, complains that the PFAS-4 limit values, which are classified as particularly dangerous, will only become binding in five years. In view of the scientific knowledge about the dangerous nature of the substances, that is clearly too late.
Environmental chemist Roland Weber agrees. The independent consultant for UN organizations feels that the limit value of 20 nanograms is set too high. The European Food Safety Authority EFSA has determined a tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight.
Since humans also absorb PFAS through contaminated food, according to his calculations, the limit value for PFAS-4 substances in drinking water should have been two nanograms per liter, not 20. That would have been on the safe side and the overall exposure to the chemicals into account. Some countries like Denmark have introduced this stricter limit.
Water treatment can be expensive
Martin Weyand from the Federal Association of Energy and Water Management, on the other hand, feels that the planned German limit values are sufficient. He thinks it is justified that they only apply from 2026 or 2028. After all, water suppliers need advance planning, especially when significant investments are pending.
Rather, he is concerned about the financing, after all, some suppliers will probably need expensive activated carbon filters in the future. He therefore calls for the industry to be held accountable according to the polluter-pays principle: “It cannot be that the citizens have to pay for these treatment plants.” In some areas it cannot be ruled out that there will be significant price increases for drinking water.
Martin Weyand is therefore calling for a fund financed by industry to finance cleaning and sanitation measures.
The Greens want a ban
The Greens also support this approach. Environmental policy spokesman Jan-Niclas Gesenhues sees the new drinking water ordinance as a good compromise, but ultimately there must be a ban on highly toxic PFAS substances at European level.
A complete ban on the approximately 10,000 PFAS substances is already being discussed across the EU. However, the problem for industry and consumers remains that there are still no alternatives for some PFAS chemicals. In addition, some fear that production will then migrate to countries where there are no environmental standards whatsoever.