Do we need to do more about PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals”?

In short, yes! CIWEM believes more robust policies are required to reduce public health and environmental risks from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). We’ve engaged experts from across the water and environment sectors and developed a way forward for strengthening policies on PFAS, set out in a new Policy Position Statement. The document also introduces the key issues surrounding PFAS, and acts as a useful ‘crash course’ to the subject.

PFAS end up in our water because they are on our clothes, in our rivers and in our soil.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a family of highly resistant, non-biodegradable chemicals used in firefighting foams, water-repellent fabrics, anti-stick coverings, packaging, ski wax, pesticides and more. Like micro- and nanoplastics, they are now regularly found in the natural environment and in humans, at varying concentrations.

Several PFAS compounds have been found to have adverse health effects or carcinogenic properties. Their risk to health is heightened by the capacity of PFAS to bioaccumulate in animals, including farm animals and humans.

Media and environmental regulators have been showing increasing concern over PFAS, particularly around its presence in water. Only part of our exposure to PFAS comes from drinking water (calculated to be under 20%). PFAS can also be picked up from food and food packaging, and in the indoor air we breathe. Nonetheless, PFAS can pose a problem at every step of the water and wastewater lifecycle.

This Policy Position Statement (PPS) sets out the position of CIWEM on PFAS management and risk mitigation, particularly for the water and wastewater industry. Its purpose is to inform CIWEM members and wider stakeholders on the lifecycle of PFAS in the water and wastewater sector and to support CIWEM’s advocacy to policymakers and regulators.

Read the details of our views on PFAS bans, monitoring, polluter-pays approach for remediation, risk mapping and consumer information in the PPS.

Read the Policy Position Statement