PFAS contamination: "The cost of depollution is astronomical" (Notre Affaire à Tous)

"The cost of dealing with PFAS pollution is astronomical. It is therefore essential and a matter of urgency to think in terms of financial responsibility, including the private players responsible for these emissions". These are the findings of a study published by French NGO "Notre Affaire à Tous" on 28/01/2026.

Given that the costs in France are estimated at "€2.3 Bn, in a range varying from €0.1 to €24.2 Bn", according to the conclusions of the report by the Haut Commissariat à la Stratégie et au Plan (High Commission for Strategy and Planning), the introduction of the polluter-pays principle must be "put into practice as a matter of urgency", the association argues.

The aim is for "the costs resulting from measures to prevent, reduce and combat pollution" to be borne by the polluter, in accordance with the Environmental Code.

Following an analysis of various mechanisms for applying this principle, the study suggests the adoption of a "hybrid system, combining:
• the creation of a dedicated fund: this would finance clean-up operations on contaminated sites, as well as…