The UK government has published its first-ever national plan aimed at reducing the risks posed by so-called “forever chemicals”, marking a significant step in addressing one of the country’s most persistent environmental threats.
The strategy focuses on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals widely used in manufacturing and everyday products. These substances are valued for their durability and resistance to heat and water, but that same persistence means they can remain in the environment for centuries.
Under the new PFAS Plan, government departments, regulators and industry will work together to identify where these chemicals are coming from, how they spread, and how exposure to people and wildlife can be reduced over time.
PFAS have been used in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams and food packaging. They have also played a role in low-carbon technologies, helping the UK meet climate goals. However, growing scientific evidence suggests long-term exposure may pose risks to human health and ecosystems.
At present, officials say there is no evidence that PFAS levels in drinking water exceed permitted limits in England and Wales. Even so, the government plans to consult later this year on introducing a statutory legal limit for PFAS in public water supplies in England. Ministers say this would give regulators stronger enforcement powers should water companies fail to comply in future.
Environment minister Emma Hardy said the chemicals present a long-term challenge that must be addressed carefully but decisively. She said the government aims to reduce harmful exposure while supporting a shift towards safer alternatives, working closely with industry and local communities.
A major part of the plan involves expanding monitoring for the first time in England’s estuaries and coastal waters. Regulators will carry out enhanced testing of water, sediment and marine life to build a clearer picture of how PFAS affect sensitive habitats. This evidence will inform future regulatory decisions.
The plan also signals closer scrutiny of everyday consumer items. Tests will be carried out on food packaging such as pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags to trace PFAS presence and guide possible restrictions. Officials say safer alternatives could be developed for common products including period pads and water-repellent clothing, where production processes are known to release PFAS into the environment.
Industry will be asked to improve how PFAS are handled, monitored and disposed of, particularly at industrial sites. New guidance will also be developed to help manage legacy pollution on contaminated land, aiming for a more consistent national approach.
The Environment Agency will play a central role in delivering the strategy. Its chief executive, Philip Duffy, said existing monitoring and risk screening work would be expanded, strengthening the evidence base needed to protect the environment and inform the public.
Additional measures outlined in the plan include improved soil monitoring in partnership with the British Geological Survey, further work on restricting PFAS use in firefighting foams, and the launch of a new public website designed to increase awareness and transparency around government action.
Officials describe the strategy as science-led and proportionate, acknowledging the economic role PFAS have played while recognising the need to reduce their long-term impact. The government says the goal is to ensure that chemicals designed to last forever do not remain a permanent threat to future generations.
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