UK unveils first-ever plan to tackle 'forever chemicals'

The UK government published its first national PFAS Plan to co‑ordinate testing, monitoring and regulatory action on per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances. A consultation on introducing a statutory PFAS limit for England's public water supply will be launched later this year.

The UK government has unveiled its first national PFAS Plan to co‑ordinate action on per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances, often called "forever chemicals." The plan sets out steps to identify sources, track how PFAS spread in the environment, and reduce exposure to people and wildlife. Officials noted PFAS have been used in some important industries and low‑carbon technologies, while their persistence creates long‑term environmental concerns. The government says a consultation on a statutory PFAS limit for England's public water supply will open later this year. Key points: - The government published the first-ever PFAS Plan to co‑ordinate action across governments, regulators and industry. - The article reports there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in public drinking water for England and Wales. - The plan includes expanded testing and monitoring, including assessments of estuaries, sediments and invertebrates. - A consultation on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England's public water supply regulations will be launched later this year. Summary: The PFAS Plan lays out coordinated scientific, monitoring and regulatory work intended to improve understanding of PFAS sources and reduce public and environmental exposure. Officials report current drinking water supplies meet permitted levels in England and Wales and say a consultation on a statutory PFAS limit for England's public water supply will follow later this year.