As of 18th August, the HSE is carrying out a formal six-month public consultation on whether per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams should be restricted or potentially banned in Great Britain.
The UK government is considering these measures because PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that can accumulate in the environment and pose risks to human health. HSE has published its scientific evidence and proposals and is inviting feedback from industry and other stakeholders before any restrictions are introduced into law.
A simple breakdown of what will be happening in the next 6 months:
- UK REACH: This is the UK’s system for regulating chemicals after Brexit. Under it, HSE acts as the agency in charge.
- Annex 15 restriction report: This is a scientific and technical report prepared by HSE. It contains evidence, risk assessments, and proposed restrictions on PFAS use in firefighting foams.
- Why PFAS? PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, and firefighting foams are a major source of them being released into the environment.
- Consultation: HSE is asking for feedback from industries that use firefighting foams, trade bodies, scientists, and anyone with relevant expertise. The goal is to gather evidence-based views on whether the proposed restrictions are fair, effective, and workable.
- Decision-making: After the consultation closes (18 February 2026), HSE will compile the feedback and send recommendations to the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments. They will then decide whether to put the restriction into law.
Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS in Firefighting Foams
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in firefighting foams in the UK for decades due to their effectiveness in rapidly suppressing flammable liquid fires, particularly in aviation, petrochemical, and military settings. However, PFAS are now recognised as a significant health and environmental hazard. These synthetic chemicals are highly persistent—earning the name “forever chemicals”—because they do not readily break down in the environment. Their mobility allows them to contaminate soil and groundwater, leading to long-term pollution that is extremely difficult and costly to remediate. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health risks, including cancers, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, and reproductive issues. For firefighters, repeated occupational contact presents a heightened concern, making the continued use of PFAS foams a major safety and regulatory issue in the UK.
History of PFAS
The history of PFAS dates back to the 1940s, when they were first developed for their non-stick, heat-resistant, and water-repellent properties. By the 1960s and 70s, aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) containing PFAS became standard in firefighting because of their ability to rapidly smother hydrocarbon fuel fires. Over time, however, mounting scientific evidence revealed the persistence and toxicity of PFAS in both people and ecosystems. Despite voluntary phase-outs by some manufacturers and increasing regulatory restrictions in Europe, their legacy use has left widespread contamination, particularly at airports, training facilities, and military bases. Today, the UK and many other nations are moving towards phasing out PFAS-containing foams in favour of fluorine-free alternatives, recognising both the urgent environmental threat and the occupational health risks posed by these substances.
