The substances, officially called PFAS, a group of more than 10,000 chemicals used in non-stick pans, stain-proof carpets, and other products -- and often end up tainting food, water and wildlife.

Two committees of EU experts on Thursday published findings that highlighted their effects and that called for broad restrictions on the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

"PFAS pose growing risks to people and the environment. They are highly persistent, remaining in the environment for long periods, travelling long distances, contaminating groundwater and soil, while some cause serious health issues, such as cancer and reproductive harm," one of the committees said in a statement accompanying its findings.

The European Union is expected to put forward a proposal to ban PFAS, known as "forever chemicals", in everyday consumer products such as clothing and pizza boxes, with exemptions for strategic sectors, like the medical field.

A legislative proposal was initially promised for the end of 2025 but Brussels was waiting for opinions from the two committees set up by the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) -- one on the risks associated with PFAS and one evaluating the economic and social impact of a ban.

The first committee, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), found "that PFAS pose growing risks to people and the environment."

To "address the risks" new regulatory measures at the EU level are necessary, it said.

For the scientific risk assessment experts of the RAC, a total ban on PFAS would be the most effective way to minimise their impact and that exemptions would cause additional "emissions, leading to an uncontrolled risk."

But, the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), which published a draft opinion that will go out for a 60-day review period and will be finalised before the end of 2026, said a blanket ban is "likely not proportionate," given the lack of alternatives to the chemicals in several fields.

The SEAC still supported a "broad restriction" but stressed the need for a "balanced approach" in light of the wide use of PFAS, and recommended "targeted" exemptions.