Health officials launch first study to test Britons' blood and urine for cancer-linked 'forever chemicals', lead and arsenic

The UK Health Security Agency is using existing blood and urine samples from the Health Survey for England to measure levels of PFAS — synthetic compounds that persist indefinitely in the body and environment — across the British population. UKHSA director Dr Edward Wynne-Evans says the study aims to show what different exposure levels mean for individuals' long-term health. It is the first time such testing has been carried out at a national scale in the UK.

Two types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, are already banned and are linked to cancer, raised cholesterol, reduced antibodies and thyroid damage.

Blood testing this summer in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, near a major chemical factory, had already found elevated PFOA levels in local residents.

PFAS are found in everyday items including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foam and a range of other common products.