PFAS also known as "forever chemicals"

PFAS, also known at Forever chemicals, are a chemical family consisting of at least 5,000 individual substances.

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PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’

You may have heard about PFAS, otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’, in the media. They are present everywhere in the environment and get their ‘forever’ name due to their resistance to breaking down.

What are forever chemicals?

PFAS (per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances) is a chemical family consisting of at least 5,000 individual substances.

PFAS compounds are used in many everyday items and products such as:

  • Skin cream and cosmetics
  • Food packaging
  • Baking equipment
  • Frying pans (non-stick layer)
  • Cleaning products.

They also have many widespread uses in industry, including in firefighting foams.

Person cleaning a pan with soapy water over a sink

Water standards for PFAS

There is currently no drinking water standard for these compounds.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has set out guidance for water companies to follow, which uses a tier system of guideline values. We have risk assessments for all the sources of water we use, and are monitoring them on a regular basis, in accordance with the DWI guidance.

Further information about these compounds and current guidance can be found on the DWI website.

Visit the DWI website