The “forever chemicals” of the PFAS family are a long-term threat to human and animal health (Cost of dealing with PFAS problem sites ‘frightening’, says Environment Agency, 15 October). If governments choose not to tackle them where they are known to lurk, they are just postponing the grief – molecules of PFAS can outlast any government.
In 2024, the Environment Agency published a review and said: “Our statutory role is to protect the environment in line with the government’s commitment to sustainable development.” Trying to sweep deadly hazards under the carpet until they are forgotten is not a sustainable approach.
Decontamination of sites poisoned with PFAS may seem costly, but the Environment Agency said: “We are also working on a cross-government chemicals strategy, which will set out our priorities.”
In April, the Biden administration in the US took critical action to protect communities from PFAS in drinking water. Earmarked federal funding is available to help small, disadvantaged and rural communities. Sounds like a good priority for UK action too.
Woody Caan
Retired professor of public health, Duxford, Cambridgeshire
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