Using blood and urine samples, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is looking to improve its understanding of PFAS levels in the UK population.
The UKHSA PFAS study will also investigate levels of lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants as well as their health implications.
This is in response to an increase in public interest and an evidence review examining PFAS and health outcomes.
The evidence review recommends establishing a baseline
AS a result of the evidence review, the UKHSA is working to establish what the baseline levels of PFAS are in the UK’s populace via a biomonitoring study. This study will see blood and urine samples collected via the existing Health Survey England to see what substances are present and to what level.
Once established, this baseline will contribute to a wider evidence base used in other research. Initial findings from this study are expected in 2027.
Alongside this study, the Committee on Toxicity is reviewing the available evidence on the effects of PFAS on health. The UKHSA is also working with international partners to monitor emerging evidence to strengthen understanding of potential risks.
“Important evidence gaps” around PFAS and health
Dr Edward Wynne-Evans, director of radiation, chemicals, climate and environmental hazards at UKHSA, said: “PFAS are an area of significant public interest and we understand the concerns people may have about these chemicals and what they could mean for their health.
“While PFAS can be detected in people, there remain important evidence gaps around what different levels of exposure mean for an individual’s long-term health. Our work is focused on helping to address those questions through research, biomonitoring and evidence reviews.
“The evidence available to date suggests that any health effects are likely to be limited. The strongest evidence from across the globe currently relates to possible associations with raised cholesterol and potentially lower birth weight, but further work is required to better understand these findings and their significance.”
While the UK’s PFAS Action Plan is active and is working on managing public exposure, including the reduction of certain compounds and restricting use of certain products and applications, the UKHSA is not currently recommending routine blood tests for PFAS.
US backs PFAS action
Last week, in the US, the Environmental Protection Agency announced their first PFAS Technology, Evaluation, Coordination, and Harmonization (TECH) strategy. The strategy is set to encourage collaboration, research, and action on PFAS.
Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator, said: “The Trump EPA is laser-focused on making America healthy again by developing real and tangible agency-wide strategies to protect Americans from exposure to PFAS.
“Technology innovation is essential to accelerating our efforts to address these contaminants, and EPA’s new PFAS TECH strategy will advance scientific discovery, demonstrate the real-world feasibility of advanced technologies, and help reduce PFAS in the environment.”
Read more here.
