# UKHSA starts a national study of PFAS levels in people > The UK Health Security Agency will analyse blood and urine samples from the Health Survey for England to set baseline exposure levels for PFAS and other chemicals. First findings are due in 2027. Published 4 November 2026 by The Water Wire. Topic: Environment & performance. Canonical: https://waterwire.co.uk/story/ukhsa-pfas-population-exposure-study The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on 3 November that it is analysing blood and urine samples collected through the existing Health Survey for England ([UKHSA](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-launches-human-biomonitoring-study)). The aim is to establish typical background levels of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals", across the population. The study will also measure lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates and flame retardants. ## What we know - **Timing:** initial findings from the wider biomonitoring programme are expected in 2027. - **Health evidence:** UKHSA says the strongest evidence points to possible links with raised cholesterol and potentially lower birth weight. Dr Edward Wynne-Evans, a UKHSA director, said any health effects "are likely to be limited". - **No personal testing:** UKHSA does not recommend routine PFAS blood tests, because there is no established clinical intervention linked to a particular level. - **Further review:** the independent Committee on Toxicity is reviewing the evidence in detail, and UKHSA is working with European partners. - **Reaction:** Environmental Audit Committee chair Toby Perkins MP called the study "an important first step" ([Water Magazine](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/04/ukhsa-launches-study-to-establish-pfas-exposure-levels-across-uk-population/)). He asked for public information that avoids "disproportionate panic". ## Background The study follows UKHSA's rapid review, published on 22 September. It examined 35 cohort studies, none of them from the UK, and concluded there is currently "inadequate evidence" to determine whether chronic exposure near industrial sites causes harm. The review did find evidence of an association between PFOS-containing mixtures and lower birth weight ([UKHSA](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-health-impacts-from-industrial-sources-of-pfas-a-rapid-review/the-health-impacts-from-industrial-sources-of-pfas-a-rapid-review)). Some researchers pushed back. Dan Middleton of Queen's University Belfast told [The Chemical Engineer](https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/experts-renew-calls-for-urgent-pfas-action-as-uk-says-evidence-of-health-risks-lacking/) that the conclusion was correct, but that "a lack of evidence is not evidence of no effect". David Megson of Manchester Metropolitan University, who led blood testing in Thornton-Cleveleys, called for more UK biomonitoring. The same report notes that a committee of MPs recommended phasing out non-essential PFAS uses from 2027, and that the government declined to commit to that in July. For water companies, the main control is the Drinking Water Inspectorate's guidance. Since March 2025 it has set a precautionary guideline of 0.1 micrograms per litre for the sum of 48 named PFAS, with a tiered approach to risk assessment. It is guidance, not a statutory standard ([DWI](https://www.dwi.gov.uk/pfas-and-forever-chemicals)). The DWI says drinking water in England and Wales remains safe, and that exceeding a guideline value means a smaller safety margin, not that health has been harmed. ## What we don't know yet - How many samples UKHSA will analyse, and how results will be broken down by region or age. - Whether results will be linked to drinking water sources or local industrial contamination. - When the Committee on Toxicity will report. ## What to watch - Initial biomonitoring findings in 2027. - The Committee on Toxicity's review. - Any move to put PFAS limits for drinking water into statute. - Debate on who pays for PFAS removal from water and wastewater. A national baseline is overdue. Until now, UK debate on PFAS has drawn on overseas cohorts and a few local blood-testing studies. UKHSA's own review found no UK studies at all. Population data will show whether UK exposure is unusual, and will give regulators a reference point for judging local hotspots. For water companies the stakes are practical. Today's 0.1 µg/l limit is guidance rather than law, and MPs and researchers are pressing for tougher action on PFAS. If biomonitoring shows significant exposure, pressure for treatment upgrades will grow, and with it the question of whether customers or polluters pay. If it shows low exposure, UKHSA's careful messaging will be vindicated, but local contamination cases will still need answers. Communications teams should prepare either way. Results in 2027 will arrive in the middle of PR29 planning, where any PFAS treatment costs would have to be argued for. ## Sources - [Water Magazine — UKHSA launches study to establish PFAS exposure levels](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/04/ukhsa-launches-study-to-establish-pfas-exposure-levels-across-uk-population/) - [UKHSA — UKHSA launches human biomonitoring study (3 November 2026)](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-launches-human-biomonitoring-study) - [UKHSA — The health impacts from industrial sources of PFAS: a rapid review (22 September 2026)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-health-impacts-from-industrial-sources-of-pfas-a-rapid-review/the-health-impacts-from-industrial-sources-of-pfas-a-rapid-review) - [The Chemical Engineer — Experts renew calls for urgent PFAS action (5 October 2026)](https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/experts-renew-calls-for-urgent-pfas-action-as-uk-says-evidence-of-health-risks-lacking/) - [DWI — PFAS and forever chemicals](https://www.dwi.gov.uk/pfas-and-forever-chemicals)