“The Truth About Forever Chemicals”: Reflections on Panorama

In their recent broadcast “The Truth About Forever Chemicals”, BBC Panorama provided further insights regarding the extent of PFAS contamination across the UK.

Lawyers at Leigh Day have successfully resolved PFAS claims in North Yorkshire and are working with communities impacted by PFAS in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, which was covered in the Panorama piece.

Earlier this year, the Leigh Day team investigating PFAS pollution also shared insights from their work with the Royal Society of Chemistry and Environmental Lawyers’ Association, and provided written and oral evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC). The EAC is currently conducting an inquiry concerning PFAS regulation in the UK, led by chair Toby Perkins MP.

PFAS chemicals – forever and everywhere

Panorama revealed that manufacturers are still creating products with forever chemicals in them, including products marketed towards children such as waterproof coats. According to Professor Stuart Harrad, who appeared in the programme, PFAS chemicals may be absorbed through prolonged contact with human skin, increasing the risk of exposure for young children. 

Panorama also highlighted the extensive use of PFAS in the home, with the chemicals present in everyday items like non-stick frying pans, carpets, and food and drink items. The European Food Safety Authority has noted that our greatest exposure to forever chemicals comes from food – particularly fish, meat and eggs through contact with PFAS laden frying pans, as well as fruit and vegetables treated with pesticides.  

Government action?

Earlier this month, the UK Government published a revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025. The plan acknowledges the concerns raised about the risk of PFAS contamination, and sees the government promise to deliver a PFAS plan and publish it by 2026. The stated aim of the plan is to "set out a range of regulatory and non-regulatory interventions, measures and initiatives with specific actions and delivery milestones." 

It is understood that the government will also consult on banning the use of PFAS containing AFFF firefighting foams and including them in the REACH list (which lists substances of high concern), with a decision to be made by 2027.

Sarah Moore, who leads the team investigating PFAS contamination, said: 

“The Panorama piece provided further evidence of the extent of the PFAS problem in the UK. Sadly, as it stands, there have been big gaps in regulatory oversight, and corporate compliance enabling these aptly named ‘forever chemicals’ to build up in our environment, causing significant environmental and potential human health harms. Where regulatory oversight has been insufficient, there is a role for litigation in holding non-compliant companies and inadequate regulators to account”. 

“With the publication of the EIP this week, it is good to see the government engaging with these issues, but the real test is what is actually delivered in terms of improved regulatory oversight, proactive monitoring and transparent reporting.”