The Government has today launched a new plan to better protect the nation and the environment from harmful per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – commonly known as ‘forever chemicals.’‘

In the first-ever PFAS Plan for the UK, a clear framework sets out the co-ordinated action that will be undertaken by governments, businesses and regulators to understand where the chemicals are coming from, how they spread and how to reduce public and environmental exposure.

While PFAS have played an important role as an essential component in critical manufacturing industries,the persistence of PFAS in the environment represent one of the most pressing environmental challenges.

 There is growing evidence that their widespread use has generated risks to both people and the environment, which will likely remain for hundreds of years.

Under the Plan, and to protect public health, a consultation will be launched later this year on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations. Should permitted levels ever be exceeded, this will make it easier for the regulators to enforce against water companies breaking the rules.

Government will act decisively to reduce harmful effects of PFAS 

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 co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”

Currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in water supplies in England and Wales

In January new EU-wide protections against PFAS in drinking water came into effect - Member States must monitor PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure compliance with the new EU limit values under the recast Drinking Water Directive.

According to the government, there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales.

Last week the Environment Agency published details of a recently completed research project which developed thresholds for water for several per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as part of its work on managing PFAS in the water environment.

The full extent of ‘forever chemicals’ in England’s estuaries and coastal waters will be assessed for the first time. Through improved testing and monitoring including of sediment and invertebrates, regulators will be provided with a clearer picture of the risks these habitats face and be equipped with a stronger evidence base in which to consider future regulatory action.

Safer alternatives to everyday items, including water-repellent clothing and footwear, could also be developed. Evidence shows their production methods can emit high levels of PFAS to the environment. The government and businesses will explore how production methods could be modified to deliver new products which are PFAS free and affordable for families.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy commented:

“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.”

Consultation on introduction of a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations

The plan sets out a range of further measures and interventions, which includes:

• Carrying out tests on food packaging, like microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes, to trace the presence of PFAS and support future regulatory action.
• Developing new guidance for regulators and industries to address legacy PFAS pollution on contaminated land to ensure a consistent and practical approach.
• Consulting on the introduction of a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations to improve the condition of the water the nation drinks.
• Publishing a new website to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of PFAS while also improving transparency of action being taken across government.
• Reducing emissions from industrial sites through new guidance for regulators and site operators on how to improve their handling, monitoring and disposal of PFAS.
• Improving the monitoring of PFAS in soils by supporting the British Geological Survey and initiating new sampling at five locations across England.
• Completing work to consider restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.

The government says it will work in partnership with regulators, industries and businesses to deliver the Plan, by taking a science-based and proportionate approach to reduce and minimise the risks posed by PFAS on public health and the environment.

Tomorrow the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee will hear evidence from the Minister for Water, and environmental and health and safety regulators, in the final session of its inquiry into addressing the risks from PFAS.

Click here to access the PFAS plan: Building a safer future together