Key points from article :
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a long-lasting “forever chemical,” as carcinogenic in humans, a step that increases pressure on the UK government to regulate its presence in drinking water.
Found across hundreds of English drinking water samples, PFOA belongs to the PFAS family, chemicals used in products ranging from food packaging to firefighting foams. Known for their persistence, PFAS don’t easily break down and accumulate in the human body, linking them to cancer, immune disorders, reproductive harm, and developmental issues in children.
A report by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) revealed that nearly 12,000 water samples contained PFAS. In some instances, PFOA levels exceeded the DWI’s maximum permissible limits, raising health concerns.
The PFAS concentration in English water significantly exceeds standards in other regions. The EU restricts the combined presence of PFAS to 100 nanograms per liter (ng/l), while Denmark enforces stricter individual limits of just 2ng/l. The U.S. is also setting limits to protect public health, yet the UK allows up to 100ng/l for PFOA and PFOS combined.
Researchers and advocacy groups urge the UK to adopt tougher regulations, pointing to rising evidence on PFAS toxicity. Philippe Grandjean, a professor of environmental medicine, highlighted the vulnerability of infants exposed to PFAS through breastmilk, linking it to elevated cholesterol, impaired glucose metabolism, and compromised immunity.
This concern underscores PFAS’s potential in increasing susceptibility to infections and cancer. England’s response may shape the future of PFAS regulations, addressing the broader risks these chemicals pose to health and the environment.
