Ministers from 18 countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the European Commissioner for the Environment, underwent a blood test to detect “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in their bodies and to alert the public about chemical pollution.

Copenhagen – EU Environment and Climate ministers and the Environment Commissioner, Jessika Roswall, underwent a blood test on Thursday in Denmark to detect the presence of “forever chemicals” (PFAS), Danish and European officials said.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of synthetic chemicals that take a very long time to break down.

Scientific studies show that some can have harmful effects: increased cholesterol levels, cancers, effects on fertility and fetal development, etc. They are also suspected of interfering with the endocrine (thyroid) and immune systems.

The ministers and the commissioner agreed to prick their fingers during an informal meeting in Aalborg, the European Environment Bureau (EEB), a stakeholder in the initiative, said.

Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have submitted a joint proposal to the Commission aimed at banning the production, sale, and use of almost all PFAS. (July 10, 2025)