UKHSA starts a national study of PFAS levels in people

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). 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). 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).

Some researchers pushed back. Dan Middleton of Queen's University Belfast told The Chemical Engineer 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). 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.