In France, Teflon frying pans may be banned due to their carcinogenic properties

A bill is currently under consideration in France to prohibit the production and sale of Teflon frying pans due to their carcinogenic properties. This bill aims to target the production and sale of products containing polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are deemed hazardous to both the environment and human health.

Proposed by ecologist lawmaker Nicolas Thierry, the bill characterizes these chemicals, known as PFAS, as “forever pollutants” due to their tendency to accumulate in the environment and human bodies.

The European Chemicals Agency published a draft in 2023 proposing the prohibition of PFAS, and the French government insists that this issue should be addressed at the European level. While initially planned to ban the use of PFAS in certain products until July 2025, amendments have expanded this prohibition to take effect from January 1, 2026, with a broader scope.

However, this proposed legislation is facing opposition from unions and workers as it threatens production facilities employing thousands in France.