What impact do PFAS chemicals have on our water supply? MPs hear from experts
On Wednesday, MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee will consider the potential risks of PFAS chemicals contaminating water and soil.
The Committee is examining whether enough is being done in the UK to fully understand the potential risks of PFAS, whether institutions are equipped to monitor their impact, and what lessons the UK can learn from how they are regulated in other countries.
In Wednesday’s session, MPs will explore the main sources of PFAS contamination in the UK’s water, soil and atmosphere – including the risks of PFAS in sewage sludge for agricultural applications– and how these are monitored by organisations such as the Environment Agency.
Meeting details
They will also consider what the water sector could do to remove PFAS from water, and whether levies like those proposed in France – costing €100 per 100g of PFAS discharged into water – could reduce contamination and fund remediation here.
During the session, MPs will also hear from experts in PFAS regulation in other countries, such as Australia and the United States. Committee members are likely to ask how these countries assess the toxicity of PFAS, its impact on health, and how governments should prevent harm from PFAS without disrupting businesses.