Commenting on a plan by the UK Government to address risks from Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – also known as ‘forever chemicals’ – published today (Tuesday), Dr Julie Riggs, Director of Education and Membership at British Safety Council said:
“The publication of the UK Government’s first ever plan to tackle so-called ‘forever chemicals’ is a welcome step. However, to truly tackle and manage the risks from these commonly used substances, the Government must ensure it gets ahead of the curve, and that it keeps up with developments in other countries, especially our closest European neighbours.
“This is vital not only to protect people’s health, but also will help make sure that UK companies can continue to sell their products in these markets. We know that, since the advent of industrial chemistry over 100 million synthetic substances have been created, with tens of thousands currently in commercial use. While these bring many benefits, they also can pose risks to health and can remain in the environment potentially forever.
“While not all chemicals we use are dangerous, only a tiny proportion are ever tested for their effects on human health or the environment, which is why the Government’s plan to test the use of PFAS chemicals in products like food packaging and introduce new monitoring and guidance is welcome.”
Dr Julie Riggs added, “Despite the scale of the issue, chemical pollution receives far less funding, regulation, and public awareness than climate change. People tend to fear massive, one-time chemical exposures - like spills or poisonings - but the real danger often lies in low-dose, often undetectable, long-term exposure, the kind we experience every day.
“It’s a health crisis hiding in plain sight, and ignoring it only guarantees more cancer, infertility, chronic disease, and developmental harm in future generations. But we do need to act and demand change.”
To read the Government’s plan to understand the impacts of PFAS on public health and the environment, and minimise risks, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pfas-plan