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.

News and Blogs

The UK has opened a public consultation on the restriction of PFAS (forever chemicals) in firefighting foams.

21st August 2025

UK opens public consultation on PFAS restriction in firefighting foams

The UK has opened a public consultation on the restriction of PFAS (forever chemicals) in firefighting foams.

This proposal written by Fidra, CHEM Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife and Countryside Link and Breast Cancer UK, sets out a way forward for regulating PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in the UK.

11th July 2025

Regulating PFAS in the UK – A way forward

This proposal written by Fidra, CHEM Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife and Countryside Link and Breast Cancer UK, sets out a way forward for regulating PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in the UK.

Why Fidra and other experts told MPs that a universal restriction on PFAS is the only way forward in the UK.

30th June 2025

The Environmental Audit Committee’s PFAS inquiry: what experts told MPs about forever chemicals

Why Fidra and other experts told MPs that a universal restriction on PFAS is the only way forward in the UK.

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.

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’.

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.

rivers pollution

27th March 2025

Fidra joins BBC Radio 4’s Rare Earth podcast

Find out more about Fidra’s latest BBC podcast appearance, alongside other PFAS experts, and hear why we need a restriction on all avoidable uses of PFAS in the UK.

A letter from leading scientists calls on the UK Government to regulate all PFAS as one group, as proposed by the EU, as the most effective way to tackle PFAS pollution.

15th November 2024

Scientific experts call for a broad PFAS restriction in the UK

A letter from leading scientists calls on the UK Government to regulate all PFAS as one group, as proposed by the EU, as the most effective way to tackle PFAS pollution.

Growing evidence of ‘forever chemicals’ in UK water sources highlights the urgent need to address widespread PFAS pollution.

18th June 2024

PFAS: The Unwelcome Guests in Our Water Sources

Growing evidence of ‘forever chemicals’ in UK water sources highlights the urgent need to address widespread PFAS pollution.