Levels of two of the most harmful “forever chemicals” in England’s rivers have fallen by almost a third over the past decade, according to new Environment Agency figures.
Concentrations of PFOS dropped by 30%, while PFOA levels fell by 29%. The decline follows tighter restrictions on the chemicals, which have been linked to environmental damage and serious health concerns.
Progress, but more work ahead
PFOS was largely banned in the UK in 2010, followed by PFOA in 2020. Both substances are part of the wider PFAS group, a family of around 15,000 chemicals valued for their resistance to water, oil and heat.
The Environment Agency is now testing regularly for 60 other PFAS compounds. It says the findings underline the need for better monitoring and regulation across the group, although the toxicity of many PFAS remains uncertain.
Pollution from historic landfill and industrial sites has contributed to contamination in rivers including the Mersey. Despite falling concentrations, the chemicals break down extremely slowly, meaning the overall amount in the environment may not have reduced and could instead have been diluted or washed out to sea.
Only two suitable high-temperature incineration sites currently operate in the UK, one of the few methods able to permanently destroy PFAS.
Why it matters for Britain
Cleaner rivers benefit wildlife and communities across England, while the falling levels show that restrictions on harmful chemicals can have a measurable effect. Ongoing testing should also help identify pollution sources and support action where damage has been caused.
