On January 14, the Forever Pollution Project announced that cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in Europe could cost an estimated €2 trillion through 2045. This news presents an opportunity for lab managers.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” comprise thousands of compounds that resist breaking down. This resistance has made PFAS a popular choice in manufacturing a variety of everyday items, such as water-resistant textiles, nonstick pans, and food packaging. But their durability also allows them to accumulate in water supplies and human bodies.
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The Forever Pollution Project is a group of journalists across the European Union and UK who spent the past year investigating PFAS costs and lobbyists who represent manufacturers of forever chemicals.
To put the cleanup cost into perspective for other audiences, the estimate approximately equals:
- $2.1 trillion in US dollars.
- $3 trillion in Canadian dollars.
These types of wide-ranging estimates always come with caveats about the sources of the information and how the figures were derived. But even if one believes the true number is only five percent of the estimate, it is a significant investment racing at industry.
PFAS could bring employment boosts to labs
Laboratory scientists have likely long suspected there was a tradeoff between human health, environmental concerns, and PFAS use.
But despite the reaction that may come from reading the Forever Pollution Project estimate and what it means for future generations, there are potential positive outcomes, too, for labs.
From a long-term laboratory employment perspective, consider these observations:
- Environmental labs are walking onto a new road of science that few have tackled in the past. More precise PFAS detection methods will be needed. Much like recycling awareness was not on the public’s mind 40 years ago, PFAS awareness also stands to gain ground through sustainability efforts.
- Greater awareness of PFAS will push labs in the biotech, in vitro diagnostics, and pharmaceutical fields to develop more tests and drugs to fight the effects of PFAS in humans. Eventually, more clinical labs and hospitals will need to add these options to their testing menus and treatment protocols.
How labs can interpret the Forever Pollution Project estimate
Generally, the best way to predict future growth and demand for services is to follow the money. Identifying who will pay for PFAS remediation—as well as who will spend money to fight these initiatives—is a rising factor for those involved in this field.
Even a fraction of the estimate provided by Forever Pollution Project to clean up PFAS contamination creates opportunities for labs in competitive areas. Lab managers who are not familiar with forever chemicals should consider the Forever Pollution Project announcement as a nudge to further their professional development. And for lab managers who are already knowledgeable, it’s time to critically think about where to best apply those skills in the coming years. It’s becoming increasingly likely that organizations will pay up for lab-based experts in PFAS.
Need to know more about PFAS? Sign up now for Lab Manager’s free 2025 PFAS Digital Summit, taking place August 12-13.
