A BBC investigation has found that almost half of tap water samples taken across England contain levels of toxic PFAS chemicals, known as 'forever chemicals', that exceed European safety guidelines. The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Greenwich and Manchester Metropolitan University, analysed 45 samples from various sites in England.
While none of the samples exceeded the current safety limit of 100 nanograms per litre (ng/l) set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate for England and Wales, 25 samples contained PFASs. Four of these had levels above 10ng/l, triggering requirements for local health consultation and monitoring. Crucially, almost half of all samples exceeded the European Food Standards Agency's tolerable limit of 2.2ng/l.
PFAS chemicals are linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and other health issues. Experts have criticised the UK's regulatory threshold as too high. Professor Roger Klein, a chemist and PFAS expert, described the 100ng/l action level as 'ridiculous', while Professor Rita Lock-Caruso of the University of Michigan noted health effects are being found at 'lower and lower concentrations'.
There is particular concern about the impact on children. Professor Philippe Grandjean of Harvard University warned that PFAS can accumulate in women and be passed to foetuses and infants through pregnancy and breastfeeding, potentially resulting in blood levels up to ten times higher in the next generation.
The US is considering reducing its regulatory level from 70ng/l, and some experts argue there is no safe level of exposure. In Jersey, residents believe PFAS contamination of groundwater has caused widespread health problems, including autoimmune disease, kidney disease, and thyroid conditions. The Jersey government has now agreed to offer free blood tests to affected residents.
The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs stated that robust systems are in place to assess chemical impacts, but the BBC study detected 18 different types of PFAS in English tap water, highlighting ongoing concerns about unregulated compounds.
