Ban 'forever chemicals' in uniforms and frying pans, MPs urge

Ban 'forever chemicals' in uniforms and frying pans, MPs urge8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEsme StallardClimate and science reporterGetty ImagesSchool uniforms and non-stick pans are some of the everyday products that are treated with a group of chemicals, called PFAS, to make them stain and water resistant.But there is growing concern about the long-term environmental and health impacts of some of these "forever chemicals" - so called because they persist and accumulate across ecosystems.A group of MPs has now called for a complete ban on their use, unless manufacturers can demonstrate they are either essential for their product or there is no alternative chemical.Academics and environmental groups have said they are "delighted" by the recommendations, made by the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee.The government says it will now consider the recommendations, but recently published its own PFAS plan which it said showed it was taking “decisive action” on the issue. UK launches plan to tackle 'forever chemicals' amid growing concernsFirms ordered to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water sources for 6 million peopleI have high levels of forever chemicals in my blood - what can I do about it?PFAS are a group of more than 15,000 man-made substances which have unrivalled properties - they can resist oil, water, high temperatures and UV.As a result they are found in many products - from life-saving uses like medical equipment and firefighting foam to everyday goods such as raincoats.But these same properties that make them so useful also mean when they get into the environment they do not easily break down. "Nearly all of us will have some level of PFAS in our bodies. But evidence we heard throughout our inquiry suggests that our dependence on PFAS has come with a cost to the environment, and perhaps to human health too," said Toby Perkins, chair of the Environment Audit Committee....