Alarming findings on PFAS contamination in UK waters, understand the health risks and what it means for us in Australia, and learn how to test your water for PFAS with My Water Score’s lab-certified kits.

Toxic PFAS Above Safety Limits: Why It Matters for You

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic “forever chemicals” used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. They don’t break down in the environment, accumulate in water sources, and have been linked to serious health issues, including cancers and hormone disruption. A recent Guardian analysis reveals nearly all English rivers, lakes, and ponds tested far exceed proposed safety limits, raising urgent questions about water quality and public health.

What Are PFAS and PFOS?

PFAS: Thousands of related compounds prized for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

PFOS: A once-widespread PFAS now banned due to its carcinogenic properties.

PFOS levels in fish were, on average, 322 times higher than the planned limits for wildlife, meaning even a single portion per month could push a person’s annual exposure above safe thresholds.

Key Findings from the Guardian Analysis

• 117 water bodies tested by the Environment Agency; 110 would fail the new EU-proposed limit of 4.4 ng/L (calculated as PFOA-equivalents).

• 85% of sites contained PFAS levels at least five times higher than the proposed standard.

• Fish contamination: PFOS levels were so elevated that eating local freshwater fish could exceed annual safe exposure limits.

Health & Environmental Risks

PFAS are linked to a spectrum of health concerns:

• Cancer: Studies show associations with testicular and kidney cancers.
• Immune suppression: Reduced vaccine response in children.
• Hormonal disruption: Impacts on thyroid function and fertility.
• Bioaccumulation: PFAS build up in the food chain, impacting wildlife and humans alike.

Environmentally, PFAS persist in water and soil, undermining ecosystems and complicating cleanup efforts.

How to Test Your Water for PFAS

Understanding your exposure is the first step. My Water Score offers home sampling kits that cover PFAS screening alongside other key contaminants:

1. Order your kit online.

2. Collect a sample following easy, step-by-step instructions.

3. Mail to our NATA-accredited lab.

4. Receive detailed results benchmarked against Australian and international safety guidelines.

Our PFAS panel tests for the most concerning compounds, including PFOS and PFOA, and provides actionable insights to protect your family.