On 19 May 2026, PEROSH convened a focused workshop in Lausanne to address one of the most pressing emerging challenges in occupational safety and health: PFAS.
Bringing together experts from across Europe, the workshop highlighted both the growing urgency of the issue and the significant gaps that still exist. Participants noted the limited availability of occupational exposure data, the lack of harmonised measurement methods, and the difficulty of assessing risks across a large and diverse group of substances.
At the same time, there was a strong sense that we already know enough to act. Discussions emphasised the need to move beyond fragmented, institute-level efforts towards a coordinated European approach—combining research, prevention, and policy engagement.
A key takeaway was the recognition of the workplace as a frontline for both understanding and preventing PFAS exposure. Occupational settings not only reveal early signals of risk, but also offer practical entry points for intervention, substitution, and improved exposure control.
Looking ahead, the workshop pointed to several concrete next steps:
- strengthening collaboration through joint research initiatives,
- improving exposure assessment and biomonitoring,
- advancing substitution and prevention strategies,
- and developing a shared PEROSH position to inform European policy and stakeholder dialogue.
The Lausanne workshop marked an important milestone in shaping a more coordinated, proactive PEROSH response to PFAS—transforming a complex and fragmented issue into a shared European research and policy agenda.
Look at the interview with David Vernez of Unisanté, who hosted the workshop.
