The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry to examine the risks posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
PFAS are a family of 14,000 man-made chemicals used in products ranging from waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware to cosmetics and food packaging.
They are valued for their resistance to heat, water, oil and grease.
However, their extreme durability means they do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human bodies over time.
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, certain cancers and immune system suppression.
The Committee aims to evaluate whether UK agencies and research institutions are sufficiently equipped to monitor and assess these risks.
The inquiry will also explore whether the current UK regulatory system—specifically the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals—is robust enough to manage PFAS use and disposal.
The Committee will compare the UK’s approach with that of other jurisdictions, such as the EU and the US, where regulatory action has been more aggressive.
