What are PFAS forever chemicals?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or human body, earning them the nickname 'forever chemicals.' They're used in non-stick cookware (Teflon), water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Over 12,000 PFAS compounds exist, and they persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years.

Does UK tap water contain PFAS?

Likely yes, but the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) does not currently test for PFAS in routine water quality monitoring. Independent studies have detected PFAS in UK rivers and groundwater near industrial sites and military bases. The EU has set PFAS limits of 0.1 μg/L for individual compounds and 0.5 μg/L total, but the UK has no legal limits yet.

Which water filters remove PFAS?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective, removing 90-99% of PFAS compounds according to EPA research. NSF-certified activated carbon filters (NSF P473 or Standard 53) can reduce certain PFAS, with effectiveness varying widely by compound type. Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters provide minimal PFAS removal and are not recommended. For reliable PFAS removal, choose RO systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58.

Are PFAS dangerous to human health?

Yes, PFAS exposure is linked to serious health concerns. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have identified health risks including increased cholesterol, liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy complications. PFAS accumulate in the body over time because they don't break down naturally.

Why doesn't the UK test for PFAS in drinking water?

The UK is behind the EU and US on PFAS regulation. The DWI has stated it's 'monitoring developments' but hasn't implemented routine testing or legal limits. The EU introduced PFAS limits in 2023, and the US EPA set enforceable limits in 2024. The UK government has indicated it will introduce PFAS regulations, but no timeline has been confirmed. This regulatory gap means UK residents don't know their PFAS exposure levels.

Should I filter my water for PFAS in the UK?

If you're concerned about PFAS exposure, a reverse osmosis system provides the most reliable protection (90-99% removal according to EPA research). This is especially recommended if you live near industrial sites, military bases, airports (firefighting foam use), or areas with known PFAS contamination. Since the UK doesn't test for PFAS, you can't know your exposure level without private testing. An RO system provides precautionary protection against PFAS and other contaminants.

PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in UK Water: Should You Be Concerned?

You've probably seen the headlines: "Forever chemicals found in drinking water." "PFAS linked to cancer." "New EPA limits on toxic chemicals." But if you live in the UK, you might be wondering: does this apply to me?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: the UK doesn't currently test for PFAS in tap water. While the EU and US are implementing stricter limits and mandatory testing, British water companies aren't required to monitor these "forever chemicals" at all. We simply don't know how much PFAS is in UK tap water.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—a family of over 9,000 synthetic chemicals developed since the 1940s. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or in your body. Once they're there, they stay.

Where You'll Find PFAS:

Non-stick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings)
Water-resistant clothing (outdoor gear, raincoats)
Food packaging (fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags)
Stain-resistant fabrics (carpets, upholstery)
Firefighting foam (used at airports and military bases)
Cosmetics (some waterproof makeup)
Industrial processes (manufacturing, chrome plating)

These chemicals are incredibly useful—they repel water, oil, and stains. But that same chemical stability that makes them useful also makes them persistent. They accumulate in soil, water, wildlife, and human bodies over decades.

Why Are PFAS Concerning?

Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health issues:

Cancer: Particularly kidney and testicular cancer
Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and disease
Thyroid disease: Disruption of thyroid hormone production
Immune system effects: Reduced vaccine response, increased infections
Reproductive issues: Decreased fertility, pregnancy complications
Developmental delays: Effects on fetal and child development
Increased cholesterol: Higher LDL cholesterol levels

The evidence is strong enough that the US Environmental Protection Agency has set strict limits, and the EU is implementing comprehensive PFAS regulations. But the UK? Not yet.

The UK's Regulatory Gap

Here's where the UK stands compared to other regions:

Region	PFAS Testing	Regulatory Limits
United States	Required	EPA limits for 6 PFAS compounds (2024)
European Union	Required	Stricter limits being implemented (2024-2025)
United Kingdom	Not required	No specific PFAS limits

The Problem:

The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate's comprehensive testing regime—which achieves 99.98% compliance with safety standards when water leaves treatment works— does not include PFAS. Water companies aren't required to test for it, and most don't.

This doesn't mean UK water is unsafe. It means we don't know how much PFAS is in our water supply. And that uncertainty is concerning given what we know about PFAS health effects.

How Does PFAS Get Into Water?

PFAS contamination typically comes from:

Industrial discharge: Manufacturing facilities that use or produce PFAS release it into waterways
Firefighting foam: Airports, military bases, and fire training sites used PFAS-containing foam for decades, contaminating groundwater
Landfill leachate: PFAS from consumer products (food packaging, clothing) leaches into groundwater
Wastewater treatment: PFAS passes through treatment plants largely unchanged, re-entering water systems

The UK has all these potential sources. Without testing, we can't identify contamination hotspots or track trends over time.

Should You Filter Your Water for PFAS?

This is a personal decision based on your risk tolerance. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Risk Scenarios:

✓ Live near airports or military bases (firefighting foam use)
✓ Live near industrial areas or manufacturing plants
✓ Pregnant or planning pregnancy
✓ Have young children (developmental concerns)
✓ Have compromised immune system
✓ Want to minimize all contaminant exposure

Lower Immediate Concern:

✓ No known PFAS sources nearby
✓ Rural water supply (less industrial activity)
✓ Comfortable with current UK regulations
✓ Trust that testing will be implemented eventually
✓ Budget constraints make filtration difficult

Which Filters Remove PFAS?

Not all water filters remove PFAS. Here's what actually works:

Filter Effectiveness for PFAS:

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes 90-99% of PFAS compounds (EPA research)
Most effective option. The semi-permeable membrane blocks PFAS molecules. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 58 certification.
Activated Carbon (specialized): Effectiveness varies widely by PFAS compound
Must be NSF-certified for PFAS removal (NSF P473 or Standard 53). Long-chain PFAS removal is more effective than short-chain.
Standard Carbon Filters: Minimal PFAS removal
Basic carbon filters and pitcher filters without NSF P473 certification are not recommended for PFAS removal.
Water Softeners: Do not remove PFAS
Ion exchange softeners don't target PFAS compounds.
UV Filters: Do not remove PFAS
UV kills bacteria but doesn't remove chemical contaminants.

If PFAS removal is your primary concern, reverse osmosis is the gold standard. Under-counter RO systems typically cost £200-£500 and provide comprehensive protection against PFAS, microplastics, lead, and other contaminants. Compare all filter types to see how RO stacks up.

Learn more about how reverse osmosis works in our Water Filtration 101 guide.

What About Boiling Water?

Boiling water does NOT remove PFAS. In fact, it can concentrate PFAS by evaporating water and leaving contaminants behind. The same applies to distillation for PFAS removal—while distillation removes many contaminants, some PFAS compounds can carry over with steam.

Will the UK Start Testing for PFAS?

Pressure is mounting. Environmental groups, health advocates, and some MPs are calling for PFAS testing and regulation. The EU's stricter limits may influence UK policy, especially given the health evidence.

But regulatory change takes time. In the meantime, if you're concerned about PFAS exposure, filtration is the only immediate option available to you.

Key Takeaways:

✓ PFAS are "forever chemicals" that don't break down in environment or body
✓ Linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system effects
✓ UK does NOT currently test for PFAS in tap water (unlike EU and US)
✓ Reverse osmosis removes 90-99% of PFAS (EPA research, most effective option)
✓ Specialized activated carbon effectiveness varies by compound (must be NSF P473 certified)
✓ Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters provide minimal PFAS removal (not recommended)
✓ Boiling water does NOT remove PFAS
✓ Higher risk near airports, military bases, industrial areas

The Bottom Line

The UK's lack of PFAS testing is a regulatory gap, not necessarily a water safety crisis. But given what we know about PFAS health effects and the widespread contamination found in countries that do test, it's reasonable to be concerned.

If you want to minimize PFAS exposure from drinking water, reverse osmosis is your best option. It's not cheap, but it's the only proven method for comprehensive PFAS removal. Whether that's worth the investment depends on your personal risk assessment and budget.

What's clear: the UK needs to start testing for PFAS so residents can make informed decisions about their water. Until then, we're filtering blind.