UK Environmental Audit Committee examines risks of PFAS forever chemicals

Submissions are invited to an inquiry addressing the risks of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are prevalent in many everyday items such as cookware and there have been suggestions of risk to humans and the environment from the durable chemicals.

In an inquiry, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) will be considering perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of more than 14,000 man-made chemicals with useful properties, such as being resistant to heat, water, oil and grease.

Due to their long-lasting properties, they accumulate in the environment for decades.

Research has indicated that PFAS can lead to a range of health issues, such as decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, a higher risk of certain cancers and immune system suppression.

EAC members will be considering whether enough is being done to understand the risks of PFAS fully in the UK, and whether research institutions and the Environment Agency are equipped to monitor their impact.

The Committee will also examine the UK’s regulatory framework for the use and disposal of PFAS, and will be asking whether UK registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals is adequate. The inquiry will also compare the UK approach to other jurisdictions around the world.

The Committee invites written submissions by 5.00pm on Monday 26 May 2025. Read the call for evidence here.