Without Regulation, ‘Forever Chemicals’ Will Cost Europe €440 billion by Mid Century

New data highlights enormous price of inaction on chemical pollution 

A new European Commission study warns that pollution from PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” could cost the EU around €440bn by 2050 unless tougher controls are introduced. The chemicals, which persist in the environment and the human body for decades, are linked to serious health risks and widespread contamination of water and soil. The report estimates that stopping PFAS releases by 2040 could save €110bn, while treating polluted drinking water alone could exceed €1 trillion.

Jessika Roswall, the EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Economy, said: “Providing clarity on PFAS with bans for consumer uses is a top priority for both citizens and businesses… This study underlines the urgency to act.” Children and workers at contaminated sites and nearby communities face the highest risks according to the study, reinforcing calls for faster regulation.

The findings underline a familiar policy dilemma: delay makes the problem far more expensive to solve. Swift restrictions could spare governments and taxpayers decades of rising health bills and environmental remediation, while also encouraging industry to accelerate the shift toward safer alternatives.

***

Further reading: New study confirms huge and growing costs of PFAS pollution

Washington moves to expose drug pricing practices of major benefit managers

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday proposed new rules aimed at increasing transparency around the fees and compensation collected by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), in a move designed to help lower prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. The regulation follows a directive under President Donald Trump’s executive order on reducing drug prices and would apply to PBMs managing employer-sponsored health plans.

PBMs, including units of CVS Health, Cigna and UnitedHealth, negotiate drug prices and manage formularies but have faced growing criticism over opaque business practices. The department said PBMs often fail to disclose the full scope of payments they receive, making it difficult for employers to judge whether charges are fair.

“This action will allow employers to see the full extent of the fees charged by pharmacy benefit managers, enabling them to negotiate a better deal for themselves and American workers,” said Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. Under the proposal, PBMs would be required to disclose manufacturer rebates, price differences between what plans pay and pharmacies receive, and funds recouped from pharmacies. Employers would also gain new audit rights and protections. 

The proposal adds fresh pressure on an industry that has long operated with limited public scrutiny. By forcing clearer disclosures, regulators are likely to tilt negotiating power toward employers, which could gradually compress PBM margins and alter how drug prices are set and justified across the healthcare system.

***
Further reading: US Labor Department proposes rule to boost transparency in pharmacy benefit manager fees

EU-Brazil accord unlocks secure digital trade for 670 million consumers

The European Commission and Brazil have agreed on mutual data protection standards, clearing the way for the free and secure transfer of personal data and creating what officials describe as the world’s largest trusted data zone. The move is expected to strengthen digital trade, cut compliance costs and provide legal certainty for companies operating across both markets, benefiting a combined 670 million consumers. “These agreements now allow businesses, public authorities and researchers to freely exchange data between the EU and Brazil,” the Commission said, adding that they would deliver “legal certainty and stability” for firms expanding cross-border operations.

It places both sides at the forefront of shaping global norms on digital governance, as debates over data sovereignty and privacy intensify worldwide.

***

Further reading: The EU and Brazil conclude agreements to create the biggest area of free and safe data flows in the world

  For the latest updates, visit our LinkedIn page

China regulator blocks Sun Pharma drug over manufacturing concerns

China’s medicine regulator has ordered an immediate halt to the import, sale and use of a dementia drug produced by India’s Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, citing deficiencies found during a recent inspection of its manufacturing processes. The National Medical Products Administration said the review uncovered weaknesses in contamination prevention and in the performance of the company’s quality management systems.

The regulator banned sales of Sun Pharma’s rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate capsules, a treatment used in China for dementia linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement, the agency said the inspection revealed “shortcomings in the company’s production processes, including in the prevention of contamination and the quality management department’s fulfilment of duties.” Sun Pharma have not immediately responded to requests for comment.

The action follows earlier regulatory pressure in the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter in 2024 citing “significant violations” of manufacturing standards at the same Indian facility. The decision underscores China’s increasingly strict stance on drug quality and compliance.

***

Further reading: China halts sale of Sun Pharma drug used to treat dementia

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: EU Study Warns PFAS Pollution Could Cost €440 Billion by 2050. Cover Photo Credit: Omar:. Lopez-Rincon