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Major study into ‘forever chemicals’ in people’s bodies launched in UK
The UK Health Security Agency is launching the first study to measure levels of so-called “forever chemicals” and other contaminants in the UK population. The results should help researchers understand patterns of exposure and possible long-term health risks, where evidence about what different exposure levels mean for individuals remains limited.
Researchers will analyse blood and urine samples from the existing Health Survey for England, measuring PFAS alongside lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates and flame retardants. PFAS have been used since the 1940s and 1950s in products that resist water, oil and heat, and persist in the environment; the first results are expected next year. Evidence so far suggests likely limited impacts overall, with the strongest population-level links including raised cholesterol and lower birth weights; the government does not recommend routine individual PFAS testing because there is no established clinical action for elevated results.
In short
- UK launches its first population study of PFAS exposure.
- Samples will also be tested for several other contaminants.
- First results are expected next year.
Explained simply
PFAS are a large group of chemicals used since the mid-20th century in products designed to resist water, oil or heat. They are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and can build up in the environment and in people.
People may encounter PFAS and other contaminants through food, water and everyday products. Researchers are still working out how different levels of exposure affect health; studies have found some population-level links, but the evidence does not show what a particular level means for an individual.
The UK Health Security Agency is the public body responsible for protecting people’s health. Measuring contaminants in samples from a national health survey can help researchers see how exposure varies across the population and build evidence about possible long-term risks.
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