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PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkylsubstances) are known to be extremely difficult to degrade in the environment and to be bioaccumulative and toxic. Exposure to PFAS is suspected to increase the risk of adverse health effects, such as impacts on the thyroid gland, the liver, fat metabolism and the immune system. This study estimates the socioeconomic costs that may result from impacts on human health and the environment from the use of PFAS. Better awareness of the costs and problems associated with PFAS exposure will assist decision-makers and the general public to make more efficient and timely risk management decisions. Findings indicate that the costs are substantial, with annual health-related costs estimated to 2.8 – 4.6 billion EUR for the Nordic countries and 52 – 84 billion EUR for all EEA countries. Overall non-health costs are estimated at 46 million – 11 billion EUR for the Nordic countries.Upon request the excel spreadsheets used for the monetarisation and valuation in this report can also be provided along with a guidance on how to use the estimation of costs for value transfer. Please contact any of the consultants or members of the steering group from the Swedish Chemicals Agency or the Danish Environmental Protection Agency if you are interested in receiving these excel spreadsheets.

This report is one of six sub-reports forming part of PES-A/Phase 2 of a joint project addressing the development and evaluation of strategies for future plant protection policy in the EU. The project has been conducted under the aegis of DG XI of the European Commission, and the Dutch Ministry of the Environment (VROM). The starting point for the project (both Phase 1 and 2) was the hypothesis that intensive agricultural production in a large part of the EU has resulted in pollution from, inter alia, plant protection products (PPP), with resulting threats to groundwater, surface water, soil and air quality.

Preface -- Estimates of costs of inaction linked to exposure to PFAS -- Data used for environment-related cost calculations -- The case studies -- National / state screening for PFAS contamination -- The regulatory framework as baseline in relation to PFAS -- References -- Methodology to assess environment and health-related costs -- -- Abbreviations used -- Health impacts - additional information on evidence and calculations -- Introduction -- Conclusions.

The debate around the pesticide code; Analyzing the pesticide code; Monitoring the pesticide code; Campaigning with the Pesticide code; Looking beyond the pesticide code; Resource guide.