It has been reported that the WHO is preparing to scrap its provisional drinking water guideline for perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) (also known as ‘forever chemicals’) amid concerns that the guideline is not sufficiently protet=ctive of human health. 

In 2022 the WHO proposed a provisional guideline value of 100 ng/l for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Whilst non-binding, this guideline is significantly higher than the legally enforceable limits set by the US Government earlier this year which are set at 4 ng/l as well as setting limits on four other types of PFAS.

As part of the WHO’s public consultation on the proposed guideline, a number of concerns were raised as to the impartiality of the panel contributing to the guidelines and the underlying review supporting the WHO’s conclusions. In a report to the Guardian, Besty Southerland, a former EPA manager in WHO’s water division explained that the WHO “concluded that there was not enough research to set health-based guidelines” which she called a shocking decision. 

It is reported that the WHO is conducting a new review of the scientific literature “as part of an ongoing process and will include guidelines for other PFAS compounds”. The new review is to be undertaken by less industry-linked scientists and with more regulatory officials.

Stories about PFAS chemicals are increasing across the globe.  That is reflected in the number of instructions we are seeing on the topic.  We anticipate that the increased concern about forever chemicals is going to lead to it being the most important environmental topic over the next few years.

If you have any questions in relation to PFAS and PFOS, please contact Michael Barlow or another member of our Environmental Team.

Written by Lisa Mulholland.