Environmentalists decry crushingly disappointing' Pfas action plan for UK

"The government said its Pfas action plan set out a clear framework of coordinated action to understand where these chemicals are coming from, how they spread and how to reduce public and environmental exposure. But campaigners described the plan as incredibly weak and criticised its failure to match tough action taken in Europe, where national governments are already banning chemicals on the grounds of public safety before EU-wide action."

"Already thought to be in the blood of every person on the planet, man-made per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) a family of thousands of chemicals are used in a huge range of consumer products, from waterproof clothing to electronics. They are prized for their indestructible and non-stick properties, with chemical bonds so strong they will not break down in the environment for tens of thousands of years, earning them the moniker forever chemicals."

"Research last year found that almost all English waters had Pfas levels above proposed safety limits. Dolphins, otters, porpoises, fish and birds across the UK have been found to have the chemicals in their tissue and organs. Introducing the plan, Emma Hardy, the environment minister responsible for chemical pollution, said Pfas posed a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation's vital ecosystems, adding that the government would act decisively to reduce their harmful effects."

Pfas are a large family of persistent man-made chemicals used across many consumer products for water- and stain-resistance. Their strong chemical bonds prevent environmental breakdown, causing global accumulation and detection in human blood, English waters, and wildlife. Emerging evidence links certain Pfas to multiple cancers and other harms. The UK government proposed an action plan including consultations on statutory limits, expanded testing, and monitoring to understand sources, spread, and exposure reduction. Campaigners warn the plan is weak compared with European national bans and risk locking in long-term avoidable harm to people and ecosystems.

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