On July 21, 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its agency opinion on the restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams, formally launching a 60-day public consultation. The consultation will close on September 7, 2026.
Key Conclusion
In its opinion, HSE explicitly states that the use of PFAS in firefighting foams poses risks to the environment and human health (via environmental pathways), and that existing regulatory measures are insufficient to adequately control this risk. The agency recommends implementing a restriction under UK REACH regulations in Great Britain (GB).
Three Restriction Options
HSE has proposed three restriction options, with the core differences lying in the treatment of unused stockpiles and waste:
|
Option |
Core Measures |
30-Year Emission Reduction |
Estimated Cost |
|
RO1 |
Ban on placing on the market and use of PFAS firefighting foams ≥1 mg/L, with transition periods and management plans |
529 tonnes (35%) |
£613 million |
|
RO2a |
RO1 + mandatory collection and high-temperature incineration of unused stockpiles |
1,368 tonnes (91%) |
£696 million |
|
RO2b |
RO2a + extension to PFAS-containing waste and wastewater from use |
1,422 tonnes (94%) |
£704 million |
HSE favors recommending Option RO2a, believing it strikes the optimal balance between cost-effectiveness and emission reduction outcomes.
Sector-Specific Transition Periods
To ensure fire safety is not compromised during the transition, HSE has established differentiated transition periods for various sectors:
- Portable fire extinguishers: 6 months for placing on the market / 5 years for use
- Fire and rescue services: 18 months (extendable to 10 years for COMAH sites)
- Civil aviation: 5 years
- Defence (land-based): 5 years
- Petrochemical/chemical COMAH facilities: 10 years (most complex retrofitting requirements)
- Offshore oil and gas installations: 10 years (challenges include space constraints and seawater compatibility)
- Civilian/military vessels: 10 years (to align with dry-dock maintenance cycles)
Public Consultation
This consultation seeks input solely on socioeconomic factors. HSE particularly welcomes information and evidence regarding:
- Specific data on transition costs
- Technical feasibility and availability of alternative foams
- High-temperature incineration (HTI) disposal capacity and costs
- Practical challenges of transition across various sectors
