Report Highlights PFAS Emissions from Key Industrial Sites in France
A small number of industrial facilities are identified as major contributors to persistent pollutants in water bodies across France.
A recent report from the non-governmental organization Générations Futures highlights the role of a select number of industrial sites in France as significant sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment.
According to the report published on April 1, 2025, just 5.4% of industrial facilities are responsible for more than 99% of all measured PFAS emissions into the natural environment and urban wastewater treatment plants.
This assessment is based on data collected from 146 industrial sites that produce PFAS at rates exceeding one gram per day or concentrations exceeding 25 micrograms per liter.
The findings emerged from a campaign initiated in June 2023, which requires thousands of classified industrial sites, potentially using PFAS, to undertake detailed identification and analysis of their emissions.
The report identifies 13 industrial facilities emitting more than 25 grams of PFAS per day or with exceptionally high concentrations above 200 micrograms per liter.
These facilities have been urged to take immediate action to mitigate their emissions.
Leading the list are BASF's facility in Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf and Solvay's operation in Salindres, both of which are significant emitters of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS compound that is currently not regulated.
TFA is utilized as a raw material in the manufacturing of various agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, including antidiabetic and antiviral medications.
The third highest emitter is Finorga, located in Mourenx, which also produces pharmaceutical active ingredients and is classified as a "super-emitter" of TFA.
Local authorities have expressed concerns over these emissions.
Patrice Laurent, the mayor of Mourenx, stressed that production activities generating harmful health effects should be halted but acknowledged the rigorous regulatory framework governing chemical production in France.
Environmental advocacy members caution that being an industrial hub does not excuse excessive pollution.
Pauline Cervan of Générations Futures raised alarms about the severe contamination of nearby areas, suggesting that timely and focused actions could lead to effective measures against pollution.
In response to the findings, Solvay announced the cessation of TFA production on its Salindres site, asserting adherence to comprehensive monitoring covering over 40 different parameters to manage emissions.
Meanwhile, in March 2025, the Occitanie Regional Health Authority released results from a new survey analyzing PFAS and TFA levels in drinking water in the Gard region, stating that all findings were below the health reference value of 60 micrograms per liter set by national health authorities.
According to the report published on April 1, 2025, just 5.4% of industrial facilities are responsible for more than 99% of all measured PFAS emissions into the natural environment and urban wastewater treatment plants.
This assessment is based on data collected from 146 industrial sites that produce PFAS at rates exceeding one gram per day or concentrations exceeding 25 micrograms per liter.
The findings emerged from a campaign initiated in June 2023, which requires thousands of classified industrial sites, potentially using PFAS, to undertake detailed identification and analysis of their emissions.
The report identifies 13 industrial facilities emitting more than 25 grams of PFAS per day or with exceptionally high concentrations above 200 micrograms per liter.
These facilities have been urged to take immediate action to mitigate their emissions.
Leading the list are BASF's facility in Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf and Solvay's operation in Salindres, both of which are significant emitters of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS compound that is currently not regulated.
TFA is utilized as a raw material in the manufacturing of various agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, including antidiabetic and antiviral medications.
The third highest emitter is Finorga, located in Mourenx, which also produces pharmaceutical active ingredients and is classified as a "super-emitter" of TFA.
Local authorities have expressed concerns over these emissions.
Patrice Laurent, the mayor of Mourenx, stressed that production activities generating harmful health effects should be halted but acknowledged the rigorous regulatory framework governing chemical production in France.
Environmental advocacy members caution that being an industrial hub does not excuse excessive pollution.
Pauline Cervan of Générations Futures raised alarms about the severe contamination of nearby areas, suggesting that timely and focused actions could lead to effective measures against pollution.
In response to the findings, Solvay announced the cessation of TFA production on its Salindres site, asserting adherence to comprehensive monitoring covering over 40 different parameters to manage emissions.
Meanwhile, in March 2025, the Occitanie Regional Health Authority released results from a new survey analyzing PFAS and TFA levels in drinking water in the Gard region, stating that all findings were below the health reference value of 60 micrograms per liter set by national health authorities.
