Government unveils comprehensive PFAS framework to reduce environmental and health risks while supporting safer alternatives
The UK Government has unveiled its first-ever national plan to tackle so-called “forever chemicals,” marking a major step in addressing one of the most persistent environmental threats of modern times.
Announced on Tuesday 3 February 2026, the new PFAS Plan sets out a coordinated framework for government departments, regulators and industry to better understand where these chemicals come from, how they spread through the environment, and how exposure to people and wildlife can be reduced.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in everyday products and industrial processes because of their resistance to heat, water and grease. They have supported economic growth and are embedded in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to low-carbon technologies. However, growing scientific evidence shows that PFAS persist in the environment for centuries and may pose long-term risks to human health and ecosystems.
Drinking water safeguards and new legal limits
The UK currently has one of the highest-quality drinking water supplies in the world, and regulators say there is no evidence of PFAS exceeding permitted levels in England and Wales. Even so, the government plans to strengthen protections further.
Later this year, a public consultation will be launched on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations. If approved, this would give regulators stronger powers to take action against water companies should PFAS levels ever breach legal thresholds.
First nationwide assessment of coastal and estuarine pollution
For the first time, the full extent of PFAS contamination in England’s estuaries and coastal waters will be assessed. Expanded testing and monitoring — including sediment and invertebrate sampling — will give regulators a clearer picture of the risks facing sensitive marine habitats and help inform future regulatory decisions.
Push for safer consumer products
The plan also aims to accelerate the development of safer alternatives to PFAS in everyday items such as period products, water-repellent clothing and footwear. Evidence suggests that some production processes release high levels of PFAS into the environment, and the government will work with manufacturers to explore cleaner methods that deliver PFAS-free products that remain affordable for families.
Government and regulator response
Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: “The persistent nature of ‘forever chemicals’ means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems”.
“It’s crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives”.
“We will work in partnership with regulators, industry and local communities to deliver co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: “The Environment Agency is playing a vital part in tackling the challenge of PFAS”.
“Through our monitoring programmes, risk screening work, regulatory expertise and assessment of evidence, we are helping to inform the public and stakeholders about our work to protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS”.
We will play a critical role in delivering the government’s PFAS Plan, building on the work we have undertaken in recent years.”
Key measures in the PFAS Plan include:
- New guidance for regulators and industry to manage historic PFAS contamination on contaminated land
- Consultation on a legal limit for PFAS in public drinking water supplies
- Testing food packaging such as pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags for PFAS
- Launching a public website to improve awareness and transparency around PFAS action
- Reducing industrial emissions through improved handling, monitoring and disposal guidance
- Expanding PFAS monitoring in soils with support from the British Geological Survey
- Completing work to consider restrictions on PFAS use in firefighting foams
The government says the plan will be delivered through a science-based and proportionate approach, working closely with regulators, businesses and industry to minimise risks while supporting innovation and economic resilience. Photo by GFDL, Wikimedia commons.