The Government is next week expected to announce plans to reduce the public’s exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals
Period products like sanitary towels or tampons that contain toxic “forever chemicals” face a crackdown under government plans.
The Government is next week expected to announce plans to reduce the public’s exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals. PFAs do not break down naturally and can persist in the environment for decades, raising concerns around the impact on public health, wildlife and the wider environment.
They are used in very small amounts in many personal care items, like period products, because their unique properties such as resistance to stains and liquids can provide benefits to society.
Ministers said there is “emerging evidence that small amounts of PFAS chemicals found in everyday products, may pose a low-level risk to our health and the natural world“.
Under the UK’s first ever PFAS plan, the Government will work with businesses and campaigners to explore how personal care items, like period products, could be made safer, more sustainable and PFAS-free while remaining affordable for families.
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There are also plans to support the innovation of alternatives to PFAS used in other products, including water-repellent clothing and footwear and non-stick cooking equipment.
Evidence shows the production methods for many everyday items emit levels of PFAS into the environment.
Studies have also reported some links between PFAS and the impact on human health – but further work needs to be undertaken.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: “There is emerging evidence that small amounts of PFAS chemicals found in everyday products, may pose a low-level risk to our health and the natural world.
“Through our new PFAS plan, this Government will collaborate with businesses to explore safer, PFAS–free alternatives to these products while ensuring they remain affordable for families.”
It comes after the government committed to publishing a detailed plan to take action on forever chemicals in the revised Environmental Improvement Plan published in December.
A lawsuit filed in 2024 in California alleged Carefree menstrual pads were contaminated with toxic PFAS which it claimed present a threat to the reproductive health of women.
Last year, California governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have banned the sale of cookware and other products made with PFAS.
He cited concerns about the impact the bill would have on “the availability of affordable options in cooking products”.