In brief
The UK Health Security Agency announced a comprehensive study to evaluate exposure to per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alongside lead and arsenic, using blood and urine from the Health Survey for England. Initial findings are due in 2027, with early evidence pointing to limited health effects but potential links to higher cholesterol and lower birth weight. The agency has stated it does not recommend routine PFAS blood testing at present.
Britain has launched a major study to measure humans’ exposure to per‑and polyfluoroalkyl substances—known as “forever chemicals”—and other harmful substances such as lead and arsenic.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will draw on blood and urine samples collected through the existing Health Survey for England to quantify how much of these chemicals circulates in the population.
Analysts expect preliminary results to appear in 2027, after the agency has processed large‑scale data from the nationwide survey.
Early evidence cited by UKHSA officials suggests that any health effects of PFAS are likely to be limited, though the strongest links appear to involve raised cholesterol and lower birth weight.
Dr Edward Wynne‑Evans, UKHSA’s director of radiation, chemicals, climate and environmental hazards, said:
The evidence available to date suggests that any health effects are likely to be limited.
He added that further research is needed to understand the significance of these associations.
UKHSA also clarified that it does not yet recommend routine blood testing for PFAS, noting that current data do not yet inform specific medical actions for individual results. The agency is collaborating with international partners to monitor emerging evidence and assess potential health risks.