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Our joint letter demands a stop to forever chemicals in consumer products

20 Jun 2025

1 minute read

Our mission to protect our ocean has never felt more urgent than now, as we confront a hidden but widespread threat to our seas – PFAS ‘forever chemicals’.

This week, we led a coalition of nine UK charities in writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging the UK Government to take bold and immediate action on this type of chemical pollution. 

What are PFAS forever chemicals?

PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of several thousand chemicals that are polluting our ocean. They can make products waterproof, greaseproof and heat-resistant and can be found all around us, including in everyday products. PFAS do not break down in the environment and have polluted the entire planet - from rivers, lakes, and seas to soils, drinking water, sea spray, and even rainwater. This is why they are sometimes referred to as forever chemicals.

PFAS affected animals

Exposure to forever chemicals threatens a huge range of marine species, including bottlenose dolphins, sea otters, polar bears, marine birds and fish

PFAS have been shown to harm marine life in a multitude of ways, altering animal behaviour and weakening their immune systems. However, they are not just an environmental issue. Linked to the development of certain cancers, they are a public health crisis in the making.

What are we calling for?

We know alternatives to PFAS already exist for many applications. Countries including France, Denmark and several US states have already taken strong regulatory action.

That is why we, alongside partners – including Buglife, Breast Cancer UK, Pesticide Action Network UK, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the Cancer Prevention and Education Society, Women’s Environment Network, the Soil Association and Angling Trust – believe it is time for the UK to learn from international examples and take decisive action.

Our joint letter calls on the UK Government to:

  • ban PFAS in all consumer products
  • commit to a clear timeline for phasing them out across all other uses.
Read our joint letter calling for action on PFAS