Guidance: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): general information

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1950s. Although PFAS share certain features, they can have very different chemical structures. This means they behave differently in the environment and in the body.

They are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment for a very long time. This persistence is due to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in their chemical structure, which do not break down easily.

PFAS are used in many industrial sectors and everyday settings because they are resistant to water, oil and stains, and can withstand high temperatures. As a result, PFAS can be found in a wide range of products, such as:

Because PFAS are used in many products and industrial processes, they can also be found in food, drinking water, air, dust and soil. For most people, diet and drinking water are thought to be the main ways PFAS can get into the body. Other possible routes include indoor dust and skin contact with PFAS-containing products.

Drinking water in the UK is monitored and regulated to help protect public health and minimise PFAS levels. Further information on PFAS in drinking water can be found here: PFAS and Forever Chemicals - Drinking Water Inspectorate.

If you work in a job that produces or uses PFAS and PFAS-containing materials, you may be exposed to PFAS at work. If you have concerns about your PFAS exposure at work, you should speak to your employer or contact the Health and Safety Executive, who is responsible for workplace safety.

PFAS have been used for many decades, and because they do not break down easily, they are now widely found in the environment. Efforts are being made to better understand the sources of PFAS in the environment and reduce future releases.