The concentrations in products of four so-called “forever chemicals” that pose a health risk will be limited starting in 2023, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can have a negative effect on the immune system, the development of the fetus and newborn, as well as on cholesterol, the European Commission said in a statement, DPA and Agerpres reported.

“Today we are taking another step to improve food safety in the European Union and better protect citizens from harmful chemicals,” said European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.

“These new rules demonstrate our desire to put citizens’ health first,” she said.

PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because their chemical composition prevents them from breaking down naturally.

These substances are used in a wide range of water and stain resistant products such as pans, rain covers, carpets and fire fighting foam.

“Their widespread use and their persistence in the environment have led to significant environmental pollution,” the European Commission notes on its website.

The new rules are due to apply from 2023 and will cover the substances perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS).

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