Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Environmental Audit Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 10 Apr 2025 Parliament page
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of about 14,000 synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of everyday products. For example, PFAS are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is … Read more
20 Recommendations
18 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
4 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
23 Apr
2026
Report published
4 Feb
2026
Oral evidence
4 Feb
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House
10 Dec
2025
Oral evidence
10 Dec
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
10 Sep
2025
Oral evidence
10 Sep
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
25 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
25 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
4 Feb 2026
View on parliament.uk
Emma Hardy MP · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Liz Parkes MBE · Environment Agency Marc Casale · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Matt Womersley · Environment Agency Richard Daniels · Health and Safety Executive
10 Dec 2025
View on parliament.uk
Environmental Audit Committee
David Henderson · Water UK Dr David Megson · Manchester Metropolitan University Professor Alan Boobis OBE · Imperial College London Professor Elsie Sunderland · Harvard University Professor Martyn Kirk · Australian National University Vicky Robinson · The Agricultural Industries Confederation
10 Sep 2025
View on parliament.uk
Dr Andrew Schwarz · Fluorok Dr Andy Joel · F2 Chemicals Ltd Duncan Sanders · ATG Group Professor Luisa Orsini · University of Birmingham Stephanie Metzger · Royal Society of Chemistry Stuart Ede · AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd.
25 Jun 2025
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Andrew Spence · Britannia Fire Ltd Dr Joanna Cloy · Fidra Dr Nissanka Rajapakse · Johnson Matthey Linsey Cottrell · The Conflict and Environment Observatory Mark Hirlam · Delipac Professor Michael Depledge CBE · European Centre for Environment and Human Health
Title HC No. Published Items Response
9th Report - Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfl… HC 852 23 Apr 2026 38 Pending
Recommendations & Conclusions
38 results
1 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
PFAS are highly persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals with the potential for long-term environmental and human harm,...
PFAS are highly persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals with the potential for long-term environmental and human harm, despite ongoing scientific uncertainties around the toxicity of different PFAS. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22)
View details
2 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating...
The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating contamination. Applying the Government’s own environmental principles demands decisive action now to limit further release and exposure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23) Read more
View details
3 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Voluntary action on PFAS and self-regulation by industry are not sufficient to ensure transparency, accountability...
Voluntary action on PFAS and self-regulation by industry are not sufficient to ensure transparency, accountability or reduce PFAS emissions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
View details
4 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government must act in line with the environmental principles, taking preventative and precautionary action...
The Government must act in line with the environmental principles, taking preventative and precautionary action to reduce cumulative PFAS exposure to both people and the environment. We expect the Government to set out in its response how its approach to … Read more
View details
5 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
UK REACH, in its current lagging and slow-moving form, risks leaving the UK behind international...
UK REACH, in its current lagging and slow-moving form, risks leaving the UK behind international best practice and limits the Government’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging scientific evidence on PFAS. This increases the likelihood of further regulatory divergence between … Read more
View details
6 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should make use of existing EU-UK dialogue mechanisms to support UK alignment with...
The Government should make use of existing EU-UK dialogue mechanisms to support UK alignment with EU REACH to avoid unnecessary regulatory divergence. Whilst UK Government may choose a different approach in some areas, without such alignment, UK manufacturers risk accidentally … Read more
View details
7 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
UK REACH must be reformed to enable swifter restrictions on PFAS to ensure the UK...
UK REACH must be reformed to enable swifter restrictions on PFAS to ensure the UK can align with emerging evidence to act more quickly on substances of concern. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37)
View details
8 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should reform UK REACH by March 2027 to avoid further delay in restricting...
The Government should reform UK REACH by March 2027 to avoid further delay in restricting PFAS. The Government should set targets at half the statutory maximum timescales and ensure that the Health and Safety Executive has the resources to meet … Read more
View details
9 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should adopt an essential-use approach to regulating PFAS, prioritising the rapid restriction of...
The Government should adopt an essential-use approach to regulating PFAS, prioritising the rapid restriction of PFAS in non-essential applications. Clearly defined exemptions should be set for essential uses, with time-limited derogations where substitutes are still being developed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46) Read more
View details
10 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should commission the Health and Safety Executive under UK REACH to bring forward...
The Government should commission the Health and Safety Executive under UK REACH to bring forward restrictions on PFAS in non-essential consumer products (e.g. food packaging, cookware and school uniforms) without delay and begin a phased restriction from 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph … Read more
View details
11 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Replacing one PFAS with another can perpetuate long-term environmental and health risks and can lead...
Replacing one PFAS with another can perpetuate long-term environmental and health risks and can lead to regrettable substitutions, whereby banned substances are rapidly replaced by chemically similar and potentially harmful alternatives. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54) Read more
View details
12 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Due to the impracticality of assessing thousands of PFAS one by one, and the risk...
Due to the impracticality of assessing thousands of PFAS one by one, and the risk that new substances emerge faster than they can be evaluated, the UK’s current approach leaves regulators struggling to keep pace with industry innovation. While the … Read more
View details
13 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Without a broad, group-based restriction on PFAS, the Government risks a “whack-a-mole” approach.
Without a broad, group-based restriction on PFAS, the Government risks a “whack-a-mole” approach. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56)
View details
14 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach...
The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach for PFAS regulation within three months of the EU’s forthcoming assessment. This should include assessing options for grouping PFAS with similar structures, so that future … Read more
View details
15 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should consult on the establishment of an industry-funded mechanism to rapidly assess the...
The Government should consult on the establishment of an industry-funded mechanism to rapidly assess the properties and risks of newly developed PFAS before they are permitted for use, and invest in the development of 44 safer alternatives. This mechanism should … Read more
View details
16 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
While gaps remain in understanding the toxicity of every individual PFAS, the evidence indicates that...
While gaps remain in understanding the toxicity of every individual PFAS, the evidence indicates that several PFAS are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Studies of highly exposed groups show clearer and more immediate risks, underscoring the … Read more
View details
17 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should invest in long-term research on the health effects of PFAS exposure in...
The Government should invest in long-term research on the health effects of PFAS exposure in the UK population. Within 12 months, it should publish a delivery plan setting out epidemiological studies to assess the cumulative impact of multiple PFAS and … Read more
View details
18 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The challenges of managing the risks of PFAS and associated health impacts are not issues...
The challenges of managing the risks of PFAS and associated health impacts are not issues faced by the UK alone. Many of the lessons relevant to the UK are already emerging from studies and regulatory processes across the European Union … Read more
View details
19 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should draw on international best practice and collaborate with established PFAS research programmes...
The Government should draw on international best practice and collaborate with established PFAS research programmes to ensure that the UK is fully aligned with and contributing to this global evidence base. This will enable the Government to make evidence-based decisions … Read more
View details
20 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Although the Government has begun setting statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, which is...
Although the Government has begun setting statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, which is a welcome step, significant gaps remain in managing and limiting human exposure to PFAS through food and agricultural pathways. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
View details
21 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should set limits on the levels and types of PFAS permitted in food,...
The Government should set limits on the levels and types of PFAS permitted in food, giving producers, retailers, and regulators a consistent basis for protecting public health. This should include establishing and monitoring 45 limits on PFAS entering the food … Read more
View details
22 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Whilst PFAS-containing consumer products remain on the market, the Government should introduce interim limits on...
Whilst PFAS-containing consumer products remain on the market, the Government should introduce interim limits on PFAS levels and require standardised labelling to ensure consumers are fully informed. Implementation should be led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, … Read more
View details
23 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Whilst the PFAS Plan sets out monitoring commitments, it lacks the specificity needed to inform...
Whilst the PFAS Plan sets out monitoring commitments, it lacks the specificity needed to inform and deliver action. Without clear requirements on what to monitor, the methods to use, and the thresholds for concern, and without adequate funding and laboratory … Read more
View details
24 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should provide full detail, in its response, on how its PFAS monitoring strategy...
The Government should provide full detail, in its response, on how its PFAS monitoring strategy will support enforcement and remediation. This should include a clear explanation of how monitoring results will be used to identify risks, guide remediation activity, and … Read more
View details
25 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should accompany this with an assessment of the resources required for the Environment...
The Government should accompany this with an assessment of the resources required for the Environment Agency to deliver their responsibilities outlined in the PFAS Plan and commit to providing the associated funding in its response. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85) Addressing pollution Read more
View details
26 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Lack of supply chain transparency fundamentally undermines the UK’s ability to manage PFAS at end-of-life,...
Lack of supply chain transparency fundamentally undermines the UK’s ability to manage PFAS at end-of-life, leaving councils, waste operators and regulators unable to prevent products with PFAS entering landfill, and leading to further pollution of waterways, soil and the wider … Read more
View details
27 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should consult on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, requiring...
The Government should consult on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, requiring manufacturers and importers to report the presence and purpose of PFAS in products placed on the UK market to support safe handling and disposal. (Recommendation, … Read more
View details
28 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government must set out in its response a timeline to divert PFAS waste from...
The Government must set out in its response a timeline to divert PFAS waste from landfill towards safer treatment or destruction technologies to manage increasing volumes of PFAS waste without causing further environmental contamination. (Recommendation, Paragraph 95) Read more
View details
29 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Remediating PFAS contamination in the environment is expensive and technically complex.
Remediating PFAS contamination in the environment is expensive and technically complex. The current regulatory approach that permits continued use of PFAS until harm is proven means that these substances can legally continue to accumulate in the environment, steadily increasing the … Read more
View details
30 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government has not applied the polluter pays principle adequately to deter future PFAS emissions...
The Government has not applied the polluter pays principle adequately to deter future PFAS emissions nor has it allocated sufficient government funding to tackle the remediation of PFAS in the environment where liable parties cannot be identified. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107) Read more
View details
31 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should apply the polluter pays principle to prevent ongoing and historic PFAS contamination...
The Government should apply the polluter pays principle to prevent ongoing and historic PFAS contamination and consult by March 2027 on establishing a national PFAS Remediation Fund. The Government should: • explore the implications of an emissions levy for PFAS … Read more
View details
32 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention.
Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention. Even with strong restrictions on future PFAS use, the UK already faces significant legacy contamination. Without action now, this legacy burden will pose long-term risks to public health and … Read more
View details
33 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
Industry urgently needs clear direction and Government approval on viable remediation methods so that contaminated...
Industry urgently needs clear direction and Government approval on viable remediation methods so that contaminated materials can be treated safely and at scale. (Conclusion, Paragraph 114)
View details
34 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should support the development and deployment of scalable, cost-effective PFAS remediation technologies by...
The Government should support the development and deployment of scalable, cost-effective PFAS remediation technologies by directing investment through UK Research and Innovation into research, innovation and practical support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115) Read more
View details
35 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government must publish formally approved guidance for PFAS remediation to provide businesses, local authorities...
The Government must publish formally approved guidance for PFAS remediation to provide businesses, local authorities and regulators with the certainty needed to deliver timely, safe and effective remediation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
View details
36 Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
PFAS contamination cannot be addressed without reliable destruction capacity.
PFAS contamination cannot be addressed without reliable destruction capacity. Current UK incineration capacity is insufficient to treat the increasing volume of PFAS containing waste diverted from landfill, and significant gaps remain in the availability, scalability, and verification of other destruction … Read more
View details
37 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government should assess the volume of PFAS containing waste expected from forthcoming restrictions and...
The Government should assess the volume of PFAS containing waste expected from forthcoming restrictions and determine whether UK high- temperature incineration capacity is sufficient. The Government should write to the Committee with its findings and proposed actions within six months. … Read more
View details
38 Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks …
The Government must commit, within six months, to funding the research and development of non-incineration...
The Government must commit, within six months, to funding the research and development of non-incineration PFAS destruction technologies through UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 125) 48
View details