The UK government has set out its first nationwide plan to address ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS), outlining new monitoring, research, and potential regulatory limits to protect public health and the environment
What are forever chemicals (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and the human body for decades. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of potential health risks, including liver damage, developmental effects in children, immune system disruption, and certain cancers. Their widespread presence in water, food, and consumer products has raised growing public health concerns, prompting the UK government to introduce its first national plan to monitor, regulate, and ultimately reduce exposure to these persistent chemicals.
In the first-ever PFAS Plan, a clear framework outlines coordinated action by governments, businesses, and regulators to understand where these chemicals are coming from, how they spread, and how to reduce public and environmental exposure.
PFAS regulations and government response in the UK
The UK has one of the highest-quality drinking water supplies in the world, and there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales. Under the Plan, a consultation will begin on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations. If these levels are exceeded, regulators can take action against water companies.
The government will investigate England’s estuaries and coastal waters for ‘forever chemicals’ to provide a clear picture of the current state of PFAS in waterways.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: “The persistent nature of ‘forever chemicals’ means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems.
It’s crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives.
We will work in partnership with regulators, industry, and local communities to deliver coordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: “The Environment Agency is playing a vital part in tackling the challenge of PFAS.
Through our monitoring programmes, risk screening work, regulatory expertise, and assessment of evidence, we are helping to inform the public and stakeholders about our work to protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS.
We will play a critical role in delivering the government’s PFAS Plan, building on the work we have undertaken in recent years.”
Further steps and actions
- Creating new guidance for regulators and industries to address old PFAS pollution on contaminated land, ensuring a consistent and practical approach.
- Proposing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations to improve water quality.
- Testing food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes, to detect PFAS and inform future regulations.
- Launching a new website to help the public understand PFAS and provide transparent updates on government action.
- Issuing new guidance to reduce emissions from industrial sites, focusing on better handling, monitoring, and disposal of PFAS.
- Enhancing soil PFAS monitoring by supporting the British Geological Survey and starting new sampling in five locations across England.
- Finalising work to consider restrictions on PFAS use in firefighting foams.
