BBC report concern surrounding continued use of forever chemicals

We note with interest the article of the BBC News about poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain cosmetic products sold in the United Kingdom: “Forever chemicals still in use in UK make-up (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-64192516)”

PFAS are man-made compounds which are chemically and thermally stable. Because of their stain, water and oil resistant properties, they have been used in a diverse range of industrial and domestic applications. Meanwhile, PFAS are recalcitrant to degradation and subject to long-range transportation, which makes them global pollutants present in abiotic (air, water, sediments, …) and wildlife (birds and mammals, …). Therefore, the possibility of PFAS emissions into the environment leads to concern for wildlife health.

PFAS are one of the main focuses of the PBMS, and we have studied these compounds in several birds to monitor their presence in nature and impact on wildlife. For instance,

PFAS in eggs of the northern gannet (Morus bassanus) in the UK (Glória Pereira et al., 2021; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141900)
A pan-European pilot study of PFAS in livers of the comment buzzard (Buteo buteo) (Androulakakis et al. 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131775)

We are also currently investigating PFAS concentrations in peregrine falcon’s (Falco peregrinus) eggs and common buzzards in England, as a part of the Defra funded work to address monitoring needs to assess the effect of the UK Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

These studies provide information about long-term trends and the current situation of PFAS in the UK and Europe. Article written by Shinji Ozaki.