US EditionNew Plan to Cut Toxic Chemicals From Our Drinking Water
The UK government proposes statutory PFAS limits in public water and expanded monitoring to reduce exposure and protect health and ecosystems, with 80% of surface waters already affected.
- On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Government published its first PFAS plan, with a consultation later this year on a statutory water limit, Environment Minister Emma Hardy said.
- Government monitoring in recent years found PFAS in 80% of surface water, 50% of groundwater and all fish samples; PFAS are about 10,000 chemicals linked to liver damage and cancers.
- The government will test food packaging like microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes and publish a website to raise public awareness.
- Water UK described the plan as useful but urged the Government to go much further, while green groups called it `crushingly disappointing` with no binding phase-outs or bans, and a legal limit would aid enforcement.
- Experts warn that PFAS definitions vary from 4,730 to over 7 million substances, making regulation complex, while a recent report estimates costs could reach 1.7 trillion euros by 2050, as the EU’s revised Drinking Water Directive enforces monitoring at 0.5 µg/L.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Cambridge News
New plan to cut toxic chemicals from our drinking water
Growing evidence shows they pose risks to both people and the planet
Britain unveils first national plan to curb 'forever chemicals' risks
Britain on Tuesday unveiled its first national plan to curb “forever chemicals,” seeking to cut risks to human health and the environment, the government said. PFAS, used in products from cookware to food packaging, persist for decades and accumulate in nature, posing threats likely to endure for hundreds of years.
The Independent
The Independent (US)How ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water could be reduced under new government plans
These chemicals, known as PFAs, are used widely in everyday items
UK to increase ‘forever chemicals’ tests due to concerns
Following environmental and health concerns, the UK has announced it will increase testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment as part of a nationwide plan. Critics say it fails to match the EU’s much ‘tougher’ stance. The UK is planning to crack down on ‘forever chemicals’ with increased testing, the government has said. ‘Forever chemicals’ … Continued
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