Alarming Levels of Cancer-Linked ‘Forever Chemical’ Found in English Tap Water

PFOA is part of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, consisting of about 10,000 chemicals used in various products and industrial processes. Despite being largely banned, PFOA and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) persist in the environment, accumulating in humans and animals over time. These chemicals have been linked to cancers, immunodeficiencies, reproductive issues, and developmental effects in children.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England reported about 12,000 samples containing PFAS, with the highest PFOA concentration being 149 nanograms per liter (ng/l), surpassing the DWI’s maximum tap water limit. PFOS, considered a “possible carcinogen,” was found at levels as high as 1,869ng/l.

Analysis by Watershed Investigations revealed PFOA in almost 1,000 drinking water sources between 2006 and 2022. More than half of the 45 tap water samples tested showed PFOA presence, albeit below 10ng/l, which is considered “low risk” by DWI.

This discovery follows a report by the Guardian and Watershed Investigations on “extremely high levels” of PFOA in a protected river in Lancashire, linked to effluent from a chemicals company. The UK’s response to regulating PFAS is considered lagging compared to the EU’s stricter measures. While the EU limits the sum of 20 PFAS to 100ng/l, the DWI in England allows up to 100ng/l for PFOA and PFOS individually.

Experts, including Dr. Patrick Byrne from Liverpool John Moores University, urge the UK to align its regulations with scientific evidence to safeguard drinking water. The Royal Society of Chemistry recommends reducing the maximum allowable level of individual PFAS, such as PFOA, in drinking water.

Philippe Grandjean, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark, emphasizes the risk PFAS chemicals pose to infants, including issues like elevated cholesterol and poor immune system development. This has broader implications for diseases like cancer.

A Defra spokesperson assures that drinking water quality in England is among the best globally, with regular risk assessments for substances including PFAS. Nonetheless, this new classification and the findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive regulatory action on PFAS to protect public health and the environment.

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• 3M to Pay $10.3B to Settle Forever Chemicals Drinking Water Lawsuits

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