Why the Forever Chemicals Crisis Demands Urgent Personal and Regulatory Action
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed high levels of “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in blood tests, highlighting the pervasive presence of these substances in the UK population. PFAS, used since the 1940s in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time, raising serious health concerns.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Problem?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) comprise thousands of synthetic chemicals valued for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. Their persistence means they do not break down easily, leading to accumulation in the blood and organs. Scientists have linked some PFAS to health issues, including thyroid problems, kidney and liver cancer, and fertility challenges. Any detectable level of PFAS in blood is associated with potential health risks.
The Personal and Systemic Response to High PFAS Exposure
The investigation found that over 6 million people in the UK receive drinking water from sources with elevated PFAS levels. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has issued enforcement notices requiring water companies to reduce these levels, which pose a potential danger to human health. Meanwhile, some children’s products marketed as PFAS-free were found to contain these chemicals, revealing gaps in current product standards and labelling.
While individual action alone cannot eliminate PFAS from the body, the following steps can help minimise exposure:
- Replace non-stick cookware with alternatives such as ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron pans to reduce ingestion of PFAS from scratched non-stick coatings.
- Avoid products labelled as waterproof or stain-resistant unless they carry verified PFAS-free certification; vacuum carpets regularly and ventilate rooms to reduce PFAS-containing dust.
- Choose cosmetics and personal care items that explicitly state they are PFAS-free and avoid ingredients containing terms like “fluoro” or “PTFE.”
A Turning Point for UK Health and PFAS Mitigation
The UK government is considering stricter regulations following calls for enhanced treatment requirements and biomonitoring. The next phase must focus on effective PFAS removal from water and consumer products, alongside personal actions to reduce bodily accumulation. Collective responsibility involving regulators, industries, and consumers is key to addressing this persistent public health challenge.
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Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."