"Citizens are increasingly exposed to PFAS in their blood. I myself am no exception," environment commissioner Jessika Roswall told reporters, disclosing the results of her screening for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

"It shows that I'm not free from PFAS and that some of the PFAS in my blood are toxic for reproductive health," she told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference on European efforts to protect nature and fight climate change.

"This strengthened my resolve to take our work forward," Roswall said.

The commissioner's team said she tested positive for six of the 13 PFAS screened for, including three considered toxic for reproductive health, and in several cases at concentrations higher than recommended levels.

Roswall underwent testing in July along with ministers from across the European Union to raise awareness about pollution from PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals that repel heat, water and oil, and are used in nonstick pans, stain-proof carpets and other products.

Often called "forever chemicals" as they take an extremely long time to break down, PFAS are increasingly being restricted across the world due to adverse health effects.

Chronic exposure to even low levels has been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights and several kinds of cancer.

The European Commission plans next year to propose banning PFAS in everyday consumer goods -- from pizza boxes to clothing -- with exceptions for certain areas including medical equipment.

The commission is also working on a long-promised update to EU rules on the manufacture and use of dangerous chemicals -- but the process has become bogged down in delays.

An initial revision to the text known as "REACH" received a thumbs-down from an internal impact assessment body -- which asked the commission to strengthen its proposal, according to Roswall.

Environmental groups have warned against any further delay to the law's update, in the works since 2022.