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The UK government has initiated its first comprehensive investigation into the presence of so-called “forever chemicals” within the population. These substances, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are being studied alongside other potential environmental contaminants such as lead and arsenic. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will collect blood and urine samples to better understand any possible health risks associated with these chemicals.
PFAS have been widely used since the mid-20th century because of their resistance to water, oil, and heat, which has seen them incorporated into a broad range of consumer products including cookware, clothing, and firefighting foams. Due to their persistence in the environment, they are called “forever chemicals,” sparking health concerns in recent years. Although two specific PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, are already banned in the UK due to their links to increased cancer risk as assessed by the World Health Organization, thousands of other variants remain under study.
The UKHSA’s research involves examining samples gathered via the ongoing Health Survey for England to establish baseline exposure levels of PFAS along with other chemicals like bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants. Dr. Edward Wynne-Evans, who oversees radiation, chemicals, climate, and environmental hazards at UKHSA, acknowledged that “there are gaps around what different levels of exposure mean for an individual’s long-term health.” He highlighted that while some communities near contaminated areas have opted for individual blood tests and found elevated levels of PFAS, routine testing is not currently recommended nationwide due to the lack of clinical interventions available for elevated PFAS levels.
Before the study’s launch, Professor Tony Fletcher from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine observed that low levels of PFAS are likely present in nearly everyone’s blood. He noted, “If we tested a random sample of anybody’s blood, we would measure [PFAS] in low levels.” While widespread harmful effects have not been observed at these low concentrations, higher levels in large populations have been linked to issues such as increased cholesterol, raised cancer risk, and other health concerns like diminished vaccine response and endocrine disruptions. Fletcher emphasized the importance of halting ongoing exposure to reduce potential long-term health problems, underscoring the concerns of affected communities while noting that individual risk remains relatively low
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