The health impacts from industrial sources of PFAS: a rapid review
A rapid review of evidence on the potential adverse health outcomes from long-term exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or ‘forever chemicals’.
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This rapid review assessed evidence from cohort studies to determine whether exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is linked to health outcomes among people living near sites manufacturing or using PFAS.
This review identified evidence that suggests an association between perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) and PFAS mixtures (where there is a combination of multiple PFAS) containing PFOS and lower birthweight on a weight-of-evidence basis. However, given that the prevalence of low and very low birthweight in England is low, it is unlikely that any measurable effect on birth weight would be detectable in local communities around affected sites in England.
For many of the health outcomes, there was not enough evidence from the small number of studies that met the inclusion criteria, to determine whether the health outcome was linked to PFAS exposure or not. For example, this was the case for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, some pregnancy and birth outcomes, and autoimmune diseases.
Based on the evidence assessed within this rapid evidence review, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) opinion is that there is currently inadequate evidence to determine if there are potential adverse effects of chronic (long-term) PFAS exposure from local industrial or manufacturing sites producing and using PFAS and PFAS-containing products, on the health of nearby communities.
Further research into the potential link between exposure to PFAS and health outcomes, using evidence from more types of studies, would be beneficial.
On 3 February 2026, the UK government fulfilled its commitment, made in the revised Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, by unveiling a new plan (PFAS Plan: building a safer future together) to better protect the nation and environment from harmful forever chemicals. This rapid evidence review is part of a UKHSA deliverable within the PFAS plan.