In brief
On Tuesday, the UK Health Security Agency announced a nationwide study to measure exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and heavy metals in the population. The research will draw on samples from the Health Survey for England, and early evidence points to limited health effects, though links to higher cholesterol and lower birth weight warrant further investigation. Routine PFAS testing is not yet advised.
London, November 3, 2026 – The United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared it would begin a large‑scale study to evaluate the nation’s exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” as well as heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. The investigation will tap into blood and urine samples already collected through the Health Survey for England.
The initiative was announced Tuesday by Dr. Edward Wynne‑Evans, the agency’s director of radiation, chemicals, climate and environmental hazards, during a briefing in the capital. He highlighted that gaps remain in understanding how varying levels of PFAS affect people in the long term. The agency has not yet recommended routine blood testing for these chemicals, noting that the data are insufficient to determine appropriate medical responses.
PFAS chemicals are widely used in industrial processes and consumer goods. Their ability to persist in the environment earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Public concern about their potential health risks has spurred investigations worldwide. The UKHSA’s study aims to clarify the extent of human exposure and related health outcomes.
"The evidence available to date suggests that any health effects are likely to be limited," Dr. Wynne‑Evans said. "The strongest evidence currently points to possible associations with raised cholesterol and lower birth weight."
According to Dr. Wynne‑Evans, the first findings of the study are slated for release in 2027. The agency is collaborating with international partners to monitor emerging evidence and assess potential health risks. The research will assess PFAS, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals in the population’s blood and urine.
The Health Survey for England, which routinely collects biological samples, provides a broad, representative dataset of the country’s residents. By adding laboratory analysis for PFAS and heavy metals, the UKHSA hopes to refine risk assessments and inform public health strategies. The study’s scope covers all age groups, providing data on children, adults, and pregnant women who may be particularly sensitive to chemical exposures.
The UK government has cited the study as a step toward protecting citizens from potentially harmful chemicals that accumulate over time. By tracking pollutant levels in the bloodstream and in urine, the agency can identify trends, such as regional differences in exposure or changes in consumer product usage. Understanding these patterns will help regulators evaluate the efficacy of existing controls on PFAS production and use.
Meanwhile, health professionals have urged a cautious approach. While the current evidence suggests limited direct health effects from PFAS, the link to increased cholesterol and lower birth weight could have broader implications for cardiovascular and developmental health. The study may, therefore, influence guidelines for monitoring blood lipids and early pregnancy care, especially in areas with higher PFAS exposures.
In the meantime, the agency has clarified that because of the current lack of definitive health risk data, it does not endorse routine screening for PFAS levels. The focus remains on data collection, analysis, and cross‑border collaboration.
The study will also examine lead and arsenic levels, whose health risks are well documented globally. Including these heavy metals in the same analysis permits a more comprehensive view of chemical burden in the population, helping to identify co‑exposures that could compound health impacts.
Public health officials hope that the findings will ultimately guide national policy, such as updating standards for permissible levels in drinking water, food, and consumer products. If significant associations are found, measures could include tighter regulation of PFAS, enhanced monitoring of industrial emissions, and public education campaigns about minimizing exposure from everyday items.
At present, the agency plans to conduct the study over the next three years, drawing on the extensive sampling framework already in place. The first interim findings are expected by early 2027, which will offer a baseline for future surveillance and research on chemical exposures in the UK’s population.
Overall, the launch of this study marks a pivotal effort by the UK to map chemical exposures across its population and to assess the risks associated with persistent pollutants. As more data become available, the nation will be better positioned to protect public health and to inform evidence‑based policies targeting the most concerning chemicals.
