Welcome to this special newsletter edition, bringing you the latest developments, reports, and policy updates on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’. With mounting public concern and growing regulatory focus across the UK and Europe, staying informed has never been more essential.
Key Parliamentary Developments
The UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into PFAS. The Final oral evidence session took place on Wednesday, 4 February, featuring key witnesses from the Environment Agency (EA), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), including:
- EA: Liz Parkes (Deputy Director for Climate Change, Chemicals & Markets) and Matt Womersley (Environment and Business Manager – Chemicals Regulatory Development)
- HSE: Richard Daniels (Divisional Director of Chemicals Regulation Division)
- DEFRA: Marc Casale (Deputy Director, Chemicals & International) and Minister Emma Hardy MP
Science and Remediation in the News
- PFAS Remediation – Guardian article reporting on exciting new filtration technology for removing PFAS from water sources.
- PFAS – The European Commission has published a report entitled ‘The cost of PFAS pollution for our society’
UK Policy Milestones
The UK PFAS Plan has just been published, following the announcement in DEFRA’s Environmental Improvement Programme 2025 (EIP25), released on 1 December 2025.
The Plan is structured around three key pillars, each with its own actions:
- Understanding PFAS Sources
- Tackling PFAS Pathways
- Reducing Ongoing Exposure to PFAS
Actions include
- · Enhanced monitoring
- · Filling knowledge gaps
- · Developing robust analytical testing methods
- · Providing guidance for industry and regulators
- · Raising public awareness
- · Regulatory measures such as UK - REACH
- · A statutory drinking water limit consultation
Stay Engaged
PFAS are an ongoing and complex challenge, but with these new developments, the UK and Europe are taking significant steps towards better understanding, regulating, and reducing risks from these persistent chemicals. Stay tuned for more updates, and do get in touch if you have insights, questions, or feedback to share.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Chemicals Management – Navigating uncertainties Online Conference taking place on Thursday 23 Apr 2026. Follow the below link to view the programme and to book https://cia-online.org.uk/reachready/Events/Event-Details/eventDateId/4767
Thank you for reading. If you found this newsletter useful, please share it with your network and follow for further updates on PFAS and environmental policy developments.
