Non-polymer PFAS can build up in blood protein of animals, and is not always removed quickly. This means that predators eating PFAS-contaminated food will have higher levels in their bloodstream, and concentrations can increase up the food chain. Studies suggest that build up of PFAS is similar to those of other Persistent Organic Pollutants such as DDT.PFAS are estimated to be settling in arctic regions at rates of tens to hundreds of kilograms per year (25-850kg per year), depending on the specific PFAS chemical in question. Certain PFAS are released as gases to the environment and are blown a long way by wind and air currents in the atmosphere,. These gas PFAS will over time degrade to more persistent chemicals like PFOS and PFOA. This may be one reason why PFAS of environmental concern have been found in remote regions such as the Arctic as well as near PFAS production sitesPFAS including PFOS and PFOA have been found in air samples around Europe. The chemicals are found in small quantities, but appear in almost all samples tested. PFAS enters the atmosphere both from factories and the air inside our homes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17554424 PFAS is found in treated waste water from industrial and domestic sources and has been found in both rivers and groundwater. Conventional drinking water processes will not remove PFAS.PFAS-coated clothes that are thrown away will often end up either incinerated or in landfill. Unless incinerated at very high temperatures (>1000oC), fluorinated polymers could release more harmful PFAS during burning. PFAS of environmental concern have also been found in landfill leachate. Non-polymer PFAS are used in the production of fluorinated polymers. The manufacture of stain-resistant finishes generally releases these PFASs into the environment, both by air and water emissions. They are very hard to remove during water treatment. Workers in textiles factories are some of the population most exposed to these potentially harmful chemicals. Small quantities of PFAS will be removed during wash and wear of products containing PFAS. This includes fluorinated polymers used on stain-resistant coatings, and non-polymers that remain on clothes after production (Lassen et al. 2015).Most UK waste still ends up in landfill, and this includes PFAS-containing products. Studies have shown that the liquid coming from landfills (known as leachate) often contain non-polymer PFAS chemicals. In the USA the total quantities were estimated at 563-638 kg in 2013. To properly break down PFAS chemicals high temperature (1000oC or more) incineration is recommended. Incineration of municipal waste does not necessarily reach these temperatures (min temp. required is 850oC), and the incomplete breakdown could release non-polymer PFAS.Wash and wear of clothing that contains PFAS-based stain-resistant or water repellent finishes release PFAS to the environment. Coatings are thought to lose effectiveness after 20-30 washes. This can include non-polymer PFAS, remnant from production or as a break-down product of side-chain polymers (Lassen et al. 2015). The manufacture of stain-resistant finishes releases PFAS into the environment, both by air and water emissions. PFAS are very hard to remove during water treatment. Industrial emissions are estimated to be the biggest source of these chemicals to the environment.

A new study by Fidra has revealed widespread PFAS contamination in rivers across the UK Read our new report Waterproofs

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of over 10,000 industrial chemicals used in a wide array of everyday products and processes, from food packaging and clothing to pesticides and fire-fighting foams.

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The Problem

PFAS have been connected with numerous harmful health and environmental impacts. These highly persistent ‘forever chemicals’ now pollute air, soil, water, crops, wildlife and people around the world.

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The Solution

Fidra are calling for an urgent transition towards a PFAS-free economy in the UK, restricting all avoidable uses whilst supporting innovation towards safer alternatives.

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Current Initiatives

PFAS in Pesticides


PFAS are used in pesticides across the UK, threatening soil health, crops and the wider environment. We’re calling for a restriction of PFAS use in pesticides and improved transparency of pesticide ingredients. 

 

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News and Blogs

TFA was detected at 98% of the 54 sites tested, with some concentrations among the highest ever recorded globally.
16th June 2025

Fidra publishes first UK study on TFA & finds widespread river contamination

TFA was detected at 98% of the 54 sites tested, with some concentrations among the highest ever recorded globally.

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The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry to investigate the risks posed by PFAS 'forever chemicals'.
22nd April 2025

The UK’s Environmental Audit Committee launches an inquiry into PFAS

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry to investigate the risks posed by PFAS ‘forever chemicals’.

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PFAS pesticides pose threats to environmental health. Read why a PFAS restriction is key to meeting new UK pesticide targets.
15th April 2025

Restricting PFAS pesticides could help the UK achieve its 10% reduction target.

PFAS pesticides pose threats to environmental health. Read why a PFAS restriction is key to meeting new UK pesticide targets.

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Some PFAS can last for centuries in the environment, meaning the pollution we cause today could last for generations to come.

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EU Alignment & a PFAS-free Economy

To ensure effective protection for businesses, public health and the natural environment, the UK must commit to transition towards a PFAS-free economy. This could be achieved through alignment with EU chemical regulation, including the proposed universal PFAS restriction. This would provide greater certainty and security for UK businesses and ensure high standards of protection for public and environmental health.

There are also opportunities to start reducing PFAS emissions immediately. For example, progressing with the proposed restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams and introducing restrictions on PFAS in food packaging.

Previous Initiatives

Food Packaging

food wrapping pfas

PFAS are used unnecessarily in paper and cardboard food packaging across the UK. Alternative solutions are readily available. We’re calling for a restriction on PFAS use in food packaging.

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School Uniforms

school uniforms pfas

PFAS is often used for stain resistant treatments in school uniforms, but some retailers have committed to adopt PFAS-free alternatives. We now need robust regulation to support voluntary action.

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