A biomonitoring initiative by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will assess PFAS concentrations in the UK through blood and urine tests. Researchers will also analyze exposure to lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants, alongside potential health effects.
This research follows growing public curiosity alongside an evaluation of PFAS impacts on health. That review advises creating a reference point to grasp PFAS concentrations within the UK population.
The UKHSA is working to establish baseline levels of PFAS via a biomonitoring study, which will collect blood and urine samples through the existing Health Survey England. Initial findings from this study are expected in 2027.
Concurrent with this undertaking, the Committee on Toxicity is assessing current data regarding PFAS health impacts. The UKHSA is also teaming up with global partners to track new findings and deepen insight into possible dangers.
Dr Edward Wynne-Evans, director of radiation, chemicals, climate and environmental hazards at UKHSA, said: “PFAS are an area of significant public interest and we understand the concerns people may have about these chemicals and what they could mean for their health.”
Although PFAS can be found in human bodies, key information gaps persist regarding how various exposure amounts affect long-term wellness. The most robust global data indicates possible links to higher cholesterol and possibly lower birth weight, yet more investigation is needed to clarify these results.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency announced their first PFAS Technology, Evaluation, Coordination, and Harmonization (TECH) strategy, which aims to encourage collaboration, research, and action on PFAS. Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator, said: “The Trump EPA is laser-focused on making America healthy again by developing real and tangible agency-wide strategies to protect Americans from exposure to PFAS.”
Routine blood testing for PFAS is not being advised by the UKHSA right now, because the UK’s PFAS Action Plan is in effect and addressing public exposure. That plan involves cutting down on specific compounds and limiting the usage of particular goods and uses.
