Federal Council adopts action plan for dealing with persistent chemicals such as PFAS
The Federal Council wants to launch an action plan to reduce the impact of persistent chemicals, in particular PFAS, on humans and the environment. Among other things, cooperation between the federal government and the cantons is to be strengthened.
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) are a group of several thousand persistent chemicals. They are grease-, dirt- and water-repellent and have been used for decades in numerous products such as textiles, food packaging and fire extinguishing agents. However, PFAS are hardly degradable. They therefore accumulate in the environment and in organisms and can be harmful to health. PFAS contamination can be measured throughout Switzerland. Particularly high concentrations are found at hotspots such as landfills, industrial plants and fire sites.
The federal government and cantons have already taken or planned numerous measures to reduce the impact of PFAS and other persistent chemicals. However, in order to meet current and future challenges, there is a particular need for greater coordination and pooling of work. In addition, the public should be better informed about PFAS. These are the conclusions of a report in response to postulate 22.4585 Moser, which the Federal Council approved on December 19, 2025. The Federal Council therefore intends to launch an action plan to avoid as far as possible the impact of PFAS and other persistent substances on humans and the environment and to prevent any further increase in existing pollution.
DETEC will draw up the action plan and submit it to the Federal Council by the end of 2027. The cantons in particular will also be involved in the development process.
Source: bafu.admin.ch
