The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in close partnership with the Environment Agency (EA) and UK Reach, has released a new report analysing the use and persistence of ‘forever chemicals’ in Great Britain.
The use of Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals as they are more commonly known, has long been debated among health and environmental experts due to their persistent properties. Commonly found in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, cleaning products, and waterproof clothing, these chemicals are “slow to degrade and remain in the environment for many decades”. Exposure to PFAS can cause environmental contamination and human health risks, while their wide use around the world presents an “even greater challenge around their potential management”.
In light of these concerns, a recently published Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA) sees the HSE (the regulator for UK REACH) and the EA assess the nature and likely health and environmental risks posed by PFAS and the “most appropriate options” for their management. RMOAs are a key tool used by relevant authorities (such as the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs) in which to carry out regulatory decision-making. Typically, an RMOA will “collect, combine and analyse information on the intrinsic hazards, uses and routes of exposure to PFAS, as well as consider relevant domestic legislation and international approaches to the management of PFAS”. This particular RMOA on PFAS is the “most comprehensive British analysis of these chemicals ever”.
As Dr Richard Daniels, director of HSE’s chemicals regulation division, explains: “PFAS are a global issue of concern. We have looked at responses around the world, but it was vital we gathered the right information and evidence on how PFAS are used in Britain specifically.
“This has helped us work out where the right action could be taken to limit the use of PFAS and control exposures to people and the environment in this country.”
The detailed report allows experts and those in charge of legislation to have a clearer view of the risks of PFAS to both human health and the environment and come up with possible options in which to identify and minimise those risks. One of the key priorities of the report is for further action to be taken to regulate the use of firefighting foams. The proposal will be founded on scoping work with stakeholders including industry, firefighters, and those with expert knowledge of alternative foams. At present, the EA has published guidance on the restricted use of PFAS in firefighting foams, due to the risk of contamination with groundwater. Since 1 January 2023, firefighting foams have only been allowed in sites where all releases can be contained. Additionally, as of 4 July 2025, all uses will be prohibited.
Dr Daniels adds: “The reality is that PFAS substances, due to their persistent properties, will continue to be detected for many years – despite measures being taken to limit restrict or ban their use.
“We will now look at the availability and risks posed by alternatives to ensure maximum long-term protections can be gained.
“There is evidence of occupational exposure and environmental harm that can come from current firefighting foams, and we can understand the concerns among firefighters. We encourage all affected to work with us in the scoping exercise.”
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “By improving our understanding of the potential risks posed by PFAS, we will be better equipped to tackle them.
“The HSE’s analysis is a key part of our efforts to protect us from these persistent chemicals – our Plan for Water recognises this, and we will begin developing proposals to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams this year.
“This will build on our action to increase monitoring and support a ban or highly restrict specific PFAS both domestically and internationally so that we can reduce the amount of PFAS entering our natural environment.”
Executive director of the EA John Leyland called the RMOA a “significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to protect people and the environment from the potential impacts of PFAS.”
“…We are rapidly expanding our monitoring to build a clearer picture of PFAS chemicals and their potential risks. By working closely with our partners, we will broaden our understanding to better inform decision-making so that we can safeguard the public and our environment for future generations,” he said.
Following the publication of this RMOA, HSE, the EA, and DEFRA will go on to consider the recommendations, with necessary actions to be set out in the UK REACH Work Programme for 2023–24.