Research: The health impacts from industrial sources of PFAS: a rapid review
Summary
UKHSA has published a rapid review on the health impacts of long-term exposure to PFAS from industrial and manufacturing sites. The review found some evidence of an association between PFOS, PFAS mixtures containing PFOS, and lower birthweight, but concluded that overall evidence is currently inadequate to determine whether chronic exposure from nearby sites causes adverse health effects in local communities.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter PFAS-related issues in assessments of contaminated land, industrial legacy sites, and redevelopment projects. The review reinforces the need to consider potential environmental contamination and to follow evolving government policy on forever chemicals.
Key points
- UKHSA reviewed cohort-study evidence on PFAS exposure near industrial sites.
- Some evidence linked PFOS and PFOS-containing mixtures with lower birthweight.
- Evidence was insufficient for many other outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
- UKHSA says current evidence is inadequate to determine adverse effects from chronic local exposure.
- A new government PFAS plan was launched in February 2026 as part of the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025.
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