PFAS: Peers warn of the growing risks of "forever chemicals"

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Often referred to as “forever chemicals”, PFAS are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes around the world. They are highly persistent, resisting breakdown and accumulating in the environment, wildlife and our bodies over time. A growing body of research points to increasing concerns about their impacts on human health, particularly for children.

In recent weeks, Peers have been raising the profile of PFAS in the House of Lords – both through questions to the Government and through practical legislative proposals aimed at addressing their impacts.

P4P Vice-Chair Baroness Boycott proposed changes to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would ban the use of PFAS in school uniforms, helping to protect our children's health and wellbeing. The Government subsequently committed to updating procurement guidance to recommend that schools consider sourcing PFAS-free uniforms. This commitment was confirmed as part of the PFAS Action Plan announced in early February 2026, meaning schools will now need to actively consider PFAS when procuring uniforms.

Baroness Boycott has also highlighted the wider human health and environmental impacts of Pfas in an article “The Forever Chemical Crisis We Can’t Afford to Ignore”. The article draws attention to the research linking PFAS exposure to impaired neurodevelopment and reduced vaccine efficacy in children, as well as certain cancers and fertility issues.

To reduce our exposure, we need to prevent more PFAS from entering the environment, find safer alternatives, and clean up the pollution already there. One step in this direction would be to ban the sale of products that contain these chemicals, which are often sold without consumers being aware. Last week in the House of Lords, Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick asked the Government whether the consultation announced in the PFAS Action Plan would include the option of a comprehensive ban on their use in consumer products, similar to measures currently being considered in the EU. 

In the coming months, Peers for the Planet Peers will continue pressing for urgent action to to tackle the accumulation of “forever chemicals” in the environment, as this becomes one of the most serious emerging pollution issues we face

With thanks to Fidra environmental services A Plastic Planet and Lisa Skedung - RISE for your briefing and support