MPs Launch Investigation into the Environmental and Health Dangers of PFAS

For the first time, a cross-party group of UK Members of Parliament is turning its gaze toward one of the most insidious and persistent threats to public health and the environment: PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances—colloquially dubbed ‘forever chemicals’.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has opened an inquiry to determine whether the current regulatory frameworks are sufficient—or if the time has come for stricter, more targeted legislation. The committee convenes scientists, environmental experts, public health professionals, and industry voices to map the true scope of these chemical threats.

At the heart of this issue lies a troubling paradox. Over 5,000 variants of PFAS compounds have become indispensable to modern manufacturing, lauded for their durability and unique properties. Water-resistant coats? Non-stick pans? Firefighting foams? All thanks to PFAS. Yet the very qualities that make them so useful—resistance to heat, water, and degradation—also make them dangerously persistent in our ecosystems and, increasingly, our bodies.

PFAS are not your average chemicals. Once released, they don’t just break down or disappear—linger, accumulate, and travel. Traces have been found in soils, rivers, drinking water, and even the bloodstreams of humans and animals. And it’s not just their presence that’s alarming. Some of these compounds have been linked to severe health impacts: weakened immune responses, fertility issues, developmental damage in children, and heightened risks of cancers.

“News coverage has exposed the level of problems with PFAS and has shone a light that the UK’s regulatory approach is far less active than in many other jurisdictions,” said EAC Chair Toby Perkins MP. “The Committee is looking into this important topic to better understand the risks associated with PFAS and to ask what, if anything, the Government should do to strengthen the UK’s approach.”

The EAC will accept written submissions to its inquiry until 5 pm UK time on Monday, 26 May 2025. At that time, it could plan oral evidence hearings and other meetings.

Commenting on the inquiry launch, the Royal Society of Chemistry sustainable chemicals policy expert Stephanie Metzger said: “PFAS are useful materials, yet some pose serious health risks, including cancer and developmental issues in children. While chemical scientists race to develop alternative materials, robust controls are essential to limit further pollution from necessary uses. We welcome the EAC’s inquiry – especially as the UK lags behind some other countries – and urge them to seize this opportunity to provide the leadership on PFAS that has been sorely missing while heeding the expertise of the scientific community.

“Our public attitudes research shows that 84% of people in the UK want regulation on PFAS-using industries to reduce and reverse pollution, so political pressure is vital to update regulations and protect public health and the environment.”

Although the UK has taken steps through its REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regime, critics argue the current approach is piecemeal and slow-moving. So far, only 36 individual PFAS are registered under UK REACH—with another 40 potentially on the horizon. But with thousands of PFAS in circulation globally, many experts worry the UK's safety net has gaping holes.

Adding to the concern is the lack of legally binding limits on PFAS levels in drinking water. While the Drinking Water Inspectorate has issued voluntary guidelines and recommended monitoring protocols for 48 PFAS chemicals, these are, for now, only advisory.

Stephanie Metzger of the Royal Society of Chemistry didn’t mince words:

“PFAS are useful materials, yet some pose serious health risks, including cancer and developmental issues in children. While chemical scientists race to develop alternative materials, robust controls are essential to limit further pollution from necessary uses. We welcome the EAC’s inquiry – especially as the UK lags behind some other countries – and urge them to seize this opportunity to provide the leadership on PFAS that has been sorely missing while heeding the expertise of the scientific community.”

Compared to the EU’s more stringent regulatory regime—where the European Chemicals Agency has proposed a sweeping ban covering 10,000 PFAS compounds—the UK’s current stance appears tepid. The EU has not only taken bolder steps through its REACH framework but has also pushed further through dedicated bans on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), of which many PFAS variants qualify.

The EAC is now accepting written submissions from the public, stakeholders, and organizations until 5 pm (UK time) on Monday, 26 May 2025. These submissions could shape the foundation for future oral evidence sessions, expert panels, and legislative reform.

Whether this inquiry becomes a turning point or another missed opportunity depends on what happens next and how willing policymakers are to confront one of the most entrenched chemical legacies of our modern age.