“Experts Warn of Potential Harm from Unregulated Chemicals in the UK”

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has urged the establishment of a Chemicals Agency to oversee chemical regulation in the country. Highlighting concerns about increasing use of pollutants known as ‘forever chemicals,’ the RSC pointed out gaps in current regulations. The government has been contacted for a response.

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has publicly intervened, citing over four years of uncertainty regarding chemical regulation post-Brexit. Previously, the UK collaborated with the EU on chemical research and regulation. Since Brexit, the UK has taken sole responsibility for domestic regulation, but delays in establishing a new system have been noted.

President Professor Gillian Reid of the RSC criticized the current UK regulatory framework, describing it as inadequate for supporting innovation and protecting the environment. Recently, the government initiated consultations on a new chemicals registration process to track imports. Originally planned for implementation in 2020, this process is crucial for industries spanning cosmetics, food manufacturing, and agriculture, which operate across the UK and EU markets.

Stephanie Metzger, policy advisor at the RSC and co-author of the report, highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in navigating this regulatory uncertainty, hindering financial planning and research decisions.

The Chemical Industries Association (CIA), representing businesses in the chemical sector, agrees that clarity is needed but believes it is premature to advocate for a Chemicals Agency. They argue that such an agency could potentially prolong the government’s regulatory process.

Contrarily, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) asserts that establishing a centralized Chemicals Agency would streamline scientific research efforts. Currently, the RSC states that research on various chemicals is dispersed across more than five government agencies, resulting in fragmentation, duplicated efforts, and unclear directives, as noted by Prof. Reid.

Moreover, Prof. Reid highlighted concerns about the civil service’s capacity, stating it is under-resourced and faces challenges in recruiting and training skilled personnel. This, she believes, hampers the government’s ability to stay abreast of advancements in chemical research and testing.

In recent years, mounting evidence has shown the presence of potentially harmful chemicals like PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) accumulating in UK soil and waterways. These persistent pollutants, known as ‘forever chemicals’, have been linked to serious health risks such as cancer and fertility issues due to their high doses.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Cardiff discovered traces of a forever chemical, previously not manufactured in the UK, in an otter population in northeast England. Dr. Elizabeth Chadwick, co-author of the study, highlighted the challenge of banning forever chemicals due to their widespread use and the existence of over 15,000 different types.

Dr. Chadwick emphasized the need for comprehensive research into the various groups of PFAS to understand their specific toxic effects and prioritize regulatory actions. She questioned which types of PFAS should be targeted first in regulatory efforts.

While the European Union is exploring a potential ban on forever chemicals by 2026, the UK government announced plans last year to develop a strategy for PFAS but has not yet published any detailed proposals.