The UK government has announced its first national strategy to address the widespread contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often known as “forever chemicals.” The strategy, titled Building a Safer Future Together, aims to curb the environmental and public health risks associated with these persistent chemicals, which have been found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam.
The government’s plan outlines a coordinated approach to understanding and managing PFAS risks. It includes measures to improve knowledge of where these chemicals are found in the environment, better monitoring of their impact, and steps to reduce exposure to the public. While hailed as an important first step, the strategy has faced criticism for lacking immediate, enforceable restrictions on the chemicals.
PFAS are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, qualities that have made them invaluable in industry. However, these same properties make them incredibly durable in the environment, leading to concerns about their long-term impact on human health and ecosystems. The chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues in children.
The plan: What’s in it?
The new strategy focuses on understanding the sources of PFAS contamination, tackling the pathways through which they spread, and reducing ongoing exposure. It sets out a comprehensive framework for addressing the issue, with a particular emphasis on long-term management and prevention.
Key actions in the plan include:
- Improved Monitoring and Research — The government will expand monitoring of PFAS in the environment, focusing on areas such as water, soil, and wildlife. This includes a comprehensive study of PFAS levels in UK estuaries and coastal waters.
- Consultation on Drinking Water — A public consultation is planned for later this year to explore the introduction of a statutory limit on PFAS levels in drinking water, a move aimed at further safeguarding public health.
- Developing Safer Alternatives — The plan highlights the need for further research into safer alternatives to PFAS in industrial and consumer products. This initiative is designed to help businesses transition away from PFAS-based products, where possible.
- Industry Guidance — The government will provide new guidance for businesses and regulators on managing PFAS contamination and preventing further releases, with a focus on reducing the chemicals' presence in water supplies and the wider environment.
Mixed reactions
Environmental advocates have welcomed the government’s focus on the long-term challenges posed by PFAS but have expressed disappointment at the lack of immediate, mandatory regulations. According to experts, there is a concern that without stringent controls, the UK risks lagging behind other countries that have already moved to restrict or ban PFAS in consumer products.
Internationally, several countries have moved ahead with stricter bans on PFAS, notably in the European Union, where the chemicals have been restricted in various applications. In contrast, the UK plan has been criticised for its lack of binding targets or deadlines, leaving many to question whether the government is doing enough to protect both public health and the environment.
A long-term strategy
The strategy emphasises collaboration across sectors, with input from environmental scientists, public health experts, industry leaders, and regulators. DEFRA has stressed that this coordinated effort is crucial in tackling the complex issue of PFAS contamination.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy described the strategy as “The start of an ambitious effort to reduce the harmful impact of PFAS in the UK.” However, it remains to be seen whether the plan’s emphasis on monitoring and consultations will result in more immediate, enforceable regulations in the near future.
