France, Jan. 29 -- Widely used by industry, PFAS- or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances- are now found across soil, water and food chains.

Exposure to PFAS is known to increase the risk of cancers, hormonal disruption and immune system disorders, as well as other health problems.Treating these illnesses carries costs that are ultimately borne by the public.

On Thursday, the European Commission published a study to measure the long-term environmental and health costs if pollution continues at current levels.

The report sets out what the Commission describes as a conservative estimate of the financial burden PFAS place on society. It examines several possible futures, looking at environmental damage alongside health impacts.

EU tighten...