New plan to focus on ‘forever chemicals’ unveiled

The government has announced a plan to protect the environment from ‘forever chemicals’.

‘Forever chemicals’, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are described by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as “one of the most pressing chemical challenges of our time” and are found in most manufacturing industries.

The plan sets out a clear framework for assessing the levels of PFAS in water supplies and will introduce a limit for these levels to aid regulators in enforcing against water companies. DEFRA will also develop new guidance for regulators to address PFAS pollution in a bid to protect public health and the environment.