In brief
The UK Health Security Agency has begun a large‑scale study using Health Survey for England samples to measure per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals in blood and urine. Early analysis points to limited health effects, but potential links to raised cholesterol and lower birth weight are under further investigation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Tuesday that it will launch a major study to assess people’s exposure to so‑called "forever chemicals" and other potentially harmful substances, including lead and arsenic, and their possible effects on human health.
The study will draw on blood and urine samples collected through the existing Health Survey for England to determine levels of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals and other chemicals in the population. Initial findings are expected in 2027. PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals" because of their persistence in the environment, are widely used in industrial processes and consumer products.
Background
Growing concerns about the potential health risks of PFAS have prompted increased research and monitoring worldwide.
Dr Edward Wynne‑Evans, UKHSA’s director of radiation, chemicals, climate and environmental hazards, said significant gaps remain in understanding what different levels of PFAS exposure mean for an individual’s long‑term health.
The evidence available to date suggests that any health effects are likely to be limited,
he said.
Adding that the strongest evidence currently points to possible associations with raised cholesterol and lower birth weight. However, further research is needed to better understand these findings and their significance,
The UKHSA is working with international partners to monitor emerging evidence and assess potential health risks. It does not currently recommend routine blood testing for PFAS, citing insufficient evidence to determine what medical action should follow a particular test result.
By analysing existing survey data, the agency aims to establish a clearer picture of the population’s exposure levels, identify high‑risk groups and inform potential regulatory or public health interventions. The study also seeks to clarify how PFAS interact with heavy metals and other contaminants, providing a more comprehensive view of environmental exposure in the UK.
Open questions remain around the long‑term health implications of detected PFAS levels, the threshold at which risk escalates, and whether specific occupational or residential settings contribute disproportionately to exposure. The agency’s collaboration with international bodies seeks to fill these knowledge gaps and to align the UK’s monitoring techniques with global standards.
While early evidence suggests limited health effects, potential links to raised cholesterol and lower birth weight underscore the need for continued surveillance. The agency’s strategy to delay routine testing until more definitive evidence emerges reflects a cautious approach to policy making. The proposed study is a significant step toward understanding the full scale of human exposure to persistent chemicals in the UK.
