High levels of toxic forever chemicals' found off coast of southern England

"Scientists have found high levels of toxic Pfas, or forever chemicals, in soil, water and throughout the marine food chain in the UK's Solent strait, including at protected environmental sites, according to a new study. In some samples, pollution was 13 times the safe threshold for coastal waters. Others, which were below legal limits for individual chemicals, failed tests for combined toxicity."

"The chemicals are thought to have entered the environment from wastewater treatment plants, sewage outflows, historic landfills and nearby military sites. Researchers said their findings highlighted the need to monitor chemicals in combination and to make a blanket ban on Pfas part of the government's water reform agenda."

"If there was an oil spill in the Solent that industry would have to pay for the restoration of those habitats, but that doesn't happen with sewage. But he added: This is one thing I don't necessarily pin on the water companies because they don't have the capacity to treat these compounds. That's why they should be banned at source."

"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) are a family of chemicals used for their long-lasting qualities in various industries and household products including non-stick cookware, food packaging and waterproof clothing. They are often known as forever chemicals because they are not easily broken down and have been linked to a range of diseases in humans and wildlife by scientists."

High levels of PFAS were detected in soil, water, and throughout the marine food chain in the UK’s Solent strait, including at protected environmental sites. Some measurements reached 13 times the safe threshold for coastal waters. Other samples met legal limits for individual PFAS chemicals but still failed tests for combined toxicity. PFAS contamination was linked to wastewater treatment plants, sewage outflows, historic landfills, and nearby military sites. Findings emphasized monitoring PFAS mixtures rather than single chemicals and supported a blanket ban on PFAS as part of water reform. Water utilities were described as unable to remove these compounds effectively, making source bans necessary.

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