Unmasking PFAS: What businesses need to know about “forever chemicals”
11/17/2025
In a recent webinar hosted by Zurich Resilience Solutions, Principal Risk Consultant Sue Capper explained what PFAS are, why they matter, and what organisations should do now.
PFAS (short for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are often called “forever chemicals” because they resist degradation and persist in the environment for centuries. First created in the 1940s, these compounds are now under intense scrutiny due to health risks, environmental contamination, and growing litigation.
What Are PFAS and Where Are They Found?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals valued for their ability to repel water and oil, withstand heat, and provide durability. They appear in:
• Non-stick cookware
• Waterproof clothing
• Firefighting foams
• Food packaging
• Cosmetics and cleaning products
Unfortunately, these same properties make PFAS extremely persistent. They’ve been detected globally - from UK rivers to Antarctic ice - and in the UK, up to 21,000 old landfill sites may be releasing PFAS.
Why Are PFAS a Concern?
Research links PFAS exposure to serious health issues, including:
• Increased cholesterol and liver problems
• Hormonal disruption and reproductive issues
• Reduced immunity and vaccine response in children
• Higher risks of cancers (breast, kidney, thyroid)
There is no known safe exposure level, and PFAS can enter the body through food, water, inhalation, or skin contact.
Liability Risks for Businesses
PFAS contamination creates multiple liability exposures:
• Employer Liability: Workers in industries such as textiles, carpets, chemicals, and firefighting may be exposed during manufacturing or maintenance.
• Public Liability: Leaks or spills can contaminate land and water, harming communities and property values.
• Product Liability: PFAS in consumer goods such as stain-resistant fabrics or school uniforms, can lead to claims.
High-profile lawsuits in the US and Europe have already resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, and litigation is expanding globally.
Regulatory Landscape: A Patchwork of Rules
PFAS regulation varies widely:
• EU: Moving toward broad restrictions, including bans in firefighting foams and strict limits in drinking water and packaging.
• UK: Slower to act, but recent steps include prohibiting PFOA in firefighting foams and issuing enforcement notices to water companies.
• US: State-level rules dominate, with the EPA imposing limits on PFAS in water and wastewater.
Global trends point to increasing regulation and scrutiny, making compliance a moving target for businesses.
What Should Organisations Do Now?
Sue Capper outlined practical steps:
1. Assess Exposure: Review processes, products, and sites - especially legacy land use and water sources.
2. Check Safety Data Sheets: Ask suppliers directly about PFAS content; consider testing if uncertain.
3. Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify who could be harmed and how.
4. Apply Hierarchy of Controls:
o Eliminate or Substitute: Switch to PFAS-free alternatives where possible.
o Engineering Controls: Enclose processes, use extraction systems, and automate cleaning.
o Administrative Controls: Implement safe systems of work and health surveillance.
o PPE: As a last resort for residual risks.
Tip: Beware of “regrettable substitutions”. Alternatives must be thoroughly assessed to avoid replacing one hazard with another.
The Road Ahead
PFAS is an evolving issue. As research grows and regulations tighten, businesses must stay informed and proactive. Conducting a PFAS survey and risk assessment is a strong starting point to protect employees, customers, and the environment.
