New data published by CHEM Trust highlights that the regulatory gap between EU and UK protections on the harmful ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS is significant and growing.
The incoming Labour Government has inherited a chemical pollution crisis, and in particular, a toxic PFAS pollution legacy. In response to scientific studies finding PFAS in drinking water, food, people’s blood and breastmilk, the European Union has made strides to tackle PFAS pollution, while the UK has moved at a snail’s pace.
Urgent action is needed to ‘turn off the tap’ of PFAS pollution in the UK, and CHEM Trust urges the new government to match EU protections on PFAS and commit to matching its universal restriction.
Background
In the 3 and a half years since the UK left the EU system of regulating chemicals (EU REACH) and established its own parallel system, it has focused on just a fraction of EU protections and at a much slower pace.
During this period, the EU has (amongst other actions) taken the following steps to tackle PFAS:
- Proposed a comprehensive restriction on the whole family of over 10,000 PFAS chemicals.
- Introduced new standards for PFAS in food and drinking water.
- Agreed restrictions on all PFAS used in paper and cardboard food packaging, and certain PFAS in clothing.
British proposals to regulate PFAS fall short. Other than restrictions on certain PFAS adopted internationally, or those already in force prior to exiting the EU, the UK has so far only started the process on one restriction – PFAS in firefighting foams.
The incoming government has recently said that it is considering the best approach to regulating chemicals, and during the election campaign the future Chancellor expressed an interest in a closer relationship, and alignment with, the EU on chemicals.
Dr Shubhi Sharma at CHEM Trust said:
“The failure to keep up with EU regulations means the UK’s environment, wildlife and people are less protected from PFAS exposure than their European neighbours. The evidence base of epidemiological studies linking PFAS to serious diseases, such as kidney and testicular cancer, increased cholesterol, and reduced vaccination efficiency in children, continues to grow.
We are pleased to see that the new government is considering how to improve chemical regulations, and we welcome its interest in exploring alignment with the EU. We urge it to catch up with and match EU protections for people and wildlife from these harmful chemicals”.
Hannah Evans at Fidra said:
“We are calling on the UK Government to urgently transition towards a PFAS-free economy. Growing evidence continues to demonstrate the potential for significant and long-term impacts from PFAS exposure for both public health and the environment. These risks have been deemed unacceptable by the EU and this should also be true for the UK. In order to provide true protection from these ‘forever chemicals’, we must address PFAS pollution at the source, restricting all avoidable uses and supporting the adoption of safer alternatives.”
Read the full press release here.
Read the data on divergence in PFAS protections here.
