UKHSA begins study to test blood and urine samples for PFAS and other chemicals
On 3 November 2026, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced a human biomonitoring study to measure levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, alongside other chemicals in the UK population. Researchers are analysing blood and urine samples collected during the existing Health Survey England. The testing covers PFAS, lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates and flame retardants to help establish background exposure levels across the country. PFAS are human-made chemicals used in consumer products and industrial processes. While people may wonder how these chemicals affect their health, UKHSA states that current global evidence suggests any health effects are likely to be limited, with possible links to raised cholesterol and potentially lower birth weight. The agency is not recommending routine blood testing for individuals because there is no established medical treatment tied to specific PFAS levels. Initial findings from the study are expected in 2027.
What was announced
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is testing blood and urine samples gathered through the Health Survey England. The study measures exposure to PFAS, which are human-made chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer items.
Alongside PFAS, UKHSA is testing samples for lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates and flame retardants. The agency recently published an evidence review on PFAS and health outcomes. It expects to publish initial findings from this monitoring work in 2027.
What it means
Biomonitoring means analysing human biological samples, such as blood or urine, to identify which chemical substances are present inside the human body. This study aims to establish normal background exposure levels for people across the UK.
Dr Edward Wynne-Evans, Director of Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards at UKHSA, noted that global evidence links PFAS exposure to possible raised cholesterol and potentially lower birth weight. However, UKHSA stated that health effects are likely to be limited overall.
UKHSA is not recommending routine individual blood tests for PFAS. The agency explained that there is no established medical intervention for a specific PFAS level. Anyone who has health concerns should speak to a GP or healthcare professional. Meanwhile, the independent Committee on Toxicity is reviewing evidence on PFAS, while the government relies on its PFAS Action Plan to restrict certain compounds.
What the announcement does not tell us
The announcement does not state how many blood and urine samples UKHSA will test in total. It does not explain how long the study will run beyond the initial 2027 findings, or how much funding was allocated for the project.
The document also does not clarify which specific consumer products or industrial sources contribute to current UK exposure levels. Furthermore, UKHSA does not outline what threshold levels of chemicals would trigger future policy changes or updated guidance.
How this was written
This analysis was written with AI from the official announcement below, using only facts that announcement states. The quoted wording is gov.uk: UK Health Security Agency’s own. Always check the original before acting on anything here.
UKHSA is measuring PFAS and other chemicals in blood and urine samples to establish UK exposure levels and inform future health research.
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