PFAS inquiry launched by UK MPs

UK MPs have launched an inquiry into PFAS and are inviting expert input on whether enough is being done to understand and manage the risks around thousands of persistent chemicals.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in many everyday items including food packaging, firefighting foams, and fabrics due to advantageous properties including heat stability and water-repellence. Their persistence means they linger in the environment and exposure is linked to health issues including decreased fertility and higher risks of cancer.

“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 Environmental Audit Committee chair, Toby Perkins.

“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 inquiry wants input on a range of issues including the benefits of PFAS, technologies to treat PFAS pollution, where PFAS enter the supply chain, and whether UK regulators are equipped to detect and deal with PFAS.

The inquiry is taking evidence until 26 May.

For expert insight on how engineers are dealing with PFAS, see our recent special series in TCE 1,005.