PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, comprise a large group of >12,000 human-made chemicals. Their widespread use in applications such as metal plating, fluoropolymer and semiconductor manufacturing, firefighting foams, and water-repellent consumer products (e.g., textiles) has led to extensive environmental emissions. Once released, PFAS can partition between water, sediments, and living organisms, with many being transported over long distances through air and water, even reaching remote regions far from where they were originally released. Their persistence in the environment stems from the extremely strong carbon–fluorine bonds, making them highly resistant to natural degradation processes. As a result, PFAS can remain in the environment for decades, accumulating over time through continuous releases and contributing to widespread contamination of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including European seas. Addressing PFAS pollution therefore requires an integrated source-to-sea, life-cycle approach combining regulatory, technological, and societal measures.

This guidance translates the scientific and technical findings of SOS-ZEROPOL2030 into actionable recommendations for the prevention, reduction and mitigation of PFAS pollution in European seas.