Recent research indicates that a group of chemicals known as PFAS can increase the risk of diseases in unborn children.

PFAS, found in everyday items such as non-stick pans and water-repellent clothing, are now a concern for public health and the environment.

To combat this, Sweden's water industry is pushing for a total ban and clean-up of contaminated land.

They estimate that it will cost six billion kronor to purify drinking water tainted with PFAS.

From 2026, the permissible level of PFAS4 in drinking water will be reduced from 90 to 4 nanograms per litre, necessitating significant investment in new purification technology.

Many municipalities will likely have to increase water taxes to cover the costs.

Several water utilities are currently delivering water with PFAS levels above the upcoming limit, which has raised concern among experts who believe that the cost of purification should not fall on the utilities, but rather the polluters.