UK Parliament launches inquiry into PFAS the “Forever Chemicals”

First Published – 02/06/2025.
Last Updated – 2/11/2025.

PFAS Under Review: UK Parliament Launches Inquiry into “Forever Chemicals”

The UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched an inquiry into Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” The investigation aims to gather evidence on several key areas:

• The risks and benefits of using PFAS
• Current actions taken to address PFAS contamination
• Whether existing UK regulations are effective
• What lessons can the UK learn from global approaches, including the EU and the US

PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals valued for their water, oil, and heat resistance. These properties make them useful across industries — from textiles and packaging to electronics and firefighting foams. However, their extreme persistence means PFAS do not easily degrade, allowing them to build up in the environment and human bodies.

The UK inquiry will assess whether national regulators and research institutions, such as the Environment Agency, have the tools and resources needed to detect and manage PFAS risks. It will also explore how the UK’s approach compares with other regions like the European Union and the United States, where PFAS rules are becoming increasingly strict.

Compliance Strategies for Businesses Operating in the UK

Companies operating in the UK should ensure compliance through regular PFAS testing and PFAS analysis in accredited PFAS testing labs. Techniques such as Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing and targeted PFAS analysis provide visibility into both known and unknown PFAS compounds, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.

With UK regulations evolving in line with EU and other international standards, establishing robust PFAS testing programs now supports continued market access and ensures alignment with upcoming compliance obligations..

Global Regulatory Landscape 

Across the world, governments are tightening rules on PFAS to protect people and the environment. These chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” remain in nature for decades and have been linked to serious health concerns. Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union are taking strong steps to control or ban PFAS use.

PFAS Regulations in the United States

In the US, several states have introduced strict PFAS laws. California, for example, enforces one of the toughest PFAS bans. The California PFAS prohibition covers a range of industries — from food packaging and textiles to consumer goods. 

Companies operating in California must prove compliance through accurate PFAS testing. Many rely on accredited PFAS laboratories to measure PFAS content and ensure their products meet legal standards.

Colorado PFAS Regulations and Testing

Colorado has also implemented strong PFAS restrictions. Manufacturers and importers must demonstrate that their products meet state-defined PFAS limits. This requirement increases the demand for reliable PFAS testing labs capable of providing scientific data that supports compliance.

Testing laboratories play a vital role by:

• Identifying specific PFAS compounds
• Conducting detailed PFAS analyses
• Measuring Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) to detect unknown PFAS

Accurate and reproducible test results help protect public health and confirm that businesses meet regulatory limits.

The European Union’s Broad PFAS Ban

The European Union is advancing one of the most extensive PFAS restrictions under REACH. The proposal is currently in the consultation phase, with regulators reviewing feedback from industry and stakeholders before final adoption. The restriction is expected to cover thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across multiple industries, including textiles, food contact materials, and consumer goods. By targeting both intentionally added and legacy PFAS, the EU’s approach sets a global benchmark for chemical safety and environmental protection, signalling significant compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers operating in European markets.

Why PFAS Testing Is Critical for Compliance

As PFAS regulations tighten worldwide, accurate and timely testing has become essential for every business that manufactures, imports, or distributes products containing these chemicals. Whether operating in the EU, US, Canada, and many Asian countries, companies must confirm that their products comply with local PFAS limits to secure market access.

Identify and Quantify PFAS Compounds Present in Products

PFAS testing helps organisations identify the presence and concentration of these substances in materials, products, and environmental samples.

Modern laboratories use three key approaches:

• Targeted PFAS Testing
• Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Testing
• Total Fluorine (TF) Testing

Using a combination of methods gives businesses a complete view of PFAS contamination and ensures that products meet all regulatory requirements.

Support Regulatory Compliance and Commercial Success

Reliable testing goes beyond legal compliance — it protects your business reputation and helps maintain market access.

Accurate data from accredited PFAS labs ensures:

• Confidence in regulatory reports
• Safer, compliant products entering the market
• Stronger corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance

PFAS Testing Services at Eurofins Sustainability Services

At Eurofins Sustainability Services, we provide comprehensive PFAS testing solutions to help businesses meet evolving regulations and sustainability goals. Our services cover consumer products, industrial materials, and more.

Our Testing Capabilities

We offer three main approaches to PFAS testing:

Targeted PFAS Testing

• Detects specific PFAS substances, often those that are banned.
• Uses reference standards with liquid or gas chromatography.
• Can measure PFAS at very low concentrations, providing high precision for regulatory compliance.

Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Testing

• Measures only the organic fluorine in a sample.
• Accurately indicates whether any of the 12,000+ PFAS substances are present without overestimating.
• Uses Combustion Ion Chromatography (C-IC) to quantify total organic fluorine.

Total Fluorine (TF) Testing

• Measures both organic and inorganic fluorine in a sample.
• Indicates the presence of PFAS but may overestimate because it includes all fluorine types.
• Uses Combustion Ion Chromatography (C-IC) and recognised standards like EN 14582:2016 and ASTM D7359:2023.

These methods give a complete view of PFAS presence and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Regulatory Compliance Support

Regulatory Compliance Support
Eurofins Sustainability Services helps businesses comply with PFAS regulations worldwide, including:

• US nation-wide and state-level regulations (California PFAS regulations, Colorado PFAS restrictions)
  
• European Union PFAS bans
• Emerging PFAS restrictions in Canada, Asia, and other international markets

By providing accurate PFAS testing and PFAS analysis through accredited PFAS testing labs, Eurofins Sustainability Services enables companies to demonstrate compliance, ensure product safety, and maintain market access across multiple regions globally.

Conclusion

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” create serious challenges. They persist in the environment and can harm human health. The UK Parliament’s inquiry shows the need for stronger rules, better monitoring, and alignment with global standards.

Companies navigating complex PFAS regulations must start with accurate testing. Using accredited labs to perform PFAS analysis and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing helps businesses comply with changing laws, including California PFAS regulations, Colorado PFAS regulations, and other regional requirements.

Eurofins Sustainability Services offers a complete solution for companies facing PFAS challenges. We test consumer products, industrial materials, food, water, soil, and more. Our accurate data helps businesses make informed decisions, stay compliant, and achieve their sustainability goals.

For more information, visit our webpage or contact us to learn how our PFAS testing labs can support your organisation in navigating the evolving “forever chemicals” landscape.

Learn more about the inquiry here.

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