A recent investigation has uncovered the presence of harmful, persistent chemicals in the tap water near Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

These chemicals, known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are found in the firefighting foam used during training exercises.

Residents within a 16-kilometer radius of Heathrow and Gatwick airports are receiving tap water with high levels of PFAS. Water companies SES Water and Thames Water have detected PFAS concentrations as high as 15 nanograms per liter (ng/L) in their tests.

These contamination levels exceed the European Union’s recommended limit of 5 ng/L. However, the UK permits PFAS levels up to 100 ng/L in drinking water, a threshold deemed excessively high by scientists and environmental advocates.

Water companies maintain that their supplied water meets UK standards and highlight their filtration systems. However, they do not clarify that these tests were conducted after water treatment.

Experts criticize the British authorities’ lack of action, pointing to outdated standards and calling for a significant reduction in acceptable PFAS levels in drinking water.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are incredibly persistent in the environment. Used since the 1940s in various common products (firefighting foams, textiles, non-stick coatings, etc.), they accumulate in soil, water, animals, and humans.

Exposure to PFAS is linked to numerous health risks, including hormonal, immune, and reproductive disorders, as well as an increased risk of certain cancers.

The UK government plans to restrict PFAS use in firefighting foams, a measure public health advocates argue is insufficient. They are calling for a broader ban on these harmful substances.

Read the full article on OpenDemocracy:

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/pfas-forever-chemicals-tap-water-heathrow-gatwick