Uncontrolled PFAS emissions could cost the UK £9.9bn annually in cleanup expenses as contamination sites multiply, according to a major cross-border investigation.
Leana Hosea and Rachel Salvidge report for The Guardian.
In short:
- PFAS, used in products like nonstick pans and waterproof clothing, are linked to serious health risks and persist in the environment.
- A study estimates that cleaning up PFAS pollution in the UK alone will cost £428m annually over 20 years, excluding health-related expenses.
- Experts advocate for stricter regulations to reduce PFAS emissions, as current cleanup methods, like incineration, remain costly and inefficient.
Key quote:
“No one chooses the water that comes out of their tap. This bill is a crucial first step, and we also urge government and industry to build upon this change by creating a national inventory of PFAS and enforcing stricter limits on industrial discharges.”
— Stephanie Metzger, Royal Society of Chemistry policy adviser
Why this matters:
PFAS pollution threatens public health and ecosystems by contaminating water supplies. Preventing further contamination through stronger regulations could reduce long-term costs and health impacts.
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