The UK is set to ban the use of forever chemicals as it seeks to combat what a government minister described as a long term threat to health.

The country’s Government has launched what it described as “the first-ever PFAS Plan, a clear framework, which   sets out the co-ordinated action that will be undertaken by governments, businesses and regulators to understand where these chemicals are coming from, how they spread and how to reduce public and environmental exposure”.

It added: “Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’ – represent one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. PFAS has played an important role in supporting economic growth by being an essential component in critical manufacturing industries, while also helping the nation to meet climate change targets due to their inclusion in low-carbon technologies.

“However, there is growing evidence that their widespread use has generated risks to both people and the environment, which will likely remain for hundreds of years.”

While there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales, the government said  under the plan, and to protect public health, a consultation is to be launched later this year on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations. Should permitted levels ever be exceeded, this will make it easier for the regulators to enforce against water companies breaking the rules.

Environment minister Emma Hardy explained: “The persistent nature of ‘forever chemicals’ means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems.

“It is crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives.

“We will work in partnership with regulators, industry, and local communities to deliver co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”

Under the planned scheme the full extent of ‘forever chemicals’ in England’s estuaries and coastal waters will be assessed for the first time.

“Through improved testing and monitoring including of sediment and invertebrates, regulators will be provided with a clearer picture of the risks these habitats face and be equipped with a stronger evidence base in which to consider future regulatory action,” the government added.

UK Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said:  “The Environment Agency is playing a vital part in tackling the challenge of PFAS.

“Through our monitoring programmes, risk screening work, regulatory expertise, and assessment of evidence, we are helping to inform the public and stakeholders about our work to protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS.

We will play a critical role in delivering the government’s PFAS Plan, building on the work we have undertaken in recent years.”

The announcement came days after a European Commission Study into the costs of the PFAs found that if the current levels of PFAS pollution in Europe continue until 2050 without regulatory action, the cost will reach approximately €440 billion during that period.

It added tackling such PFAS releases at the source by 2040 would save €110 billion, whereas treating polluted water alone would cost more than €1 trillion.