Member

PFAS chemicals were recently raised as part of debates on the Water (Special Measures Bill)—the noble Lord, Lord Roborough, referred to this. I recognise the concerns, particularly about PFAS. I know that the Rivers Trust did a good but concerning report on this earlier in the year—that was launched here in the House of Lords, and I went to it. There is currently a lot of research on PFAS to improve our understanding. We are also looking at whether we should restrict PFAS in firefighting foams, as well as further restrictions for consumer and industrial uses. The instrument includes the introduction of a limit specifically targeted at PFOA, which is a type of PFAS in those foams. This will be designed to ensure environmentally sound disposal of any remaining stockpiles of these foams. Quite a lot of work is going on PFAS because we are very much aware of the problems in that area.