UK consultation launched on firefighting foams containing PFAS

Public invited to comment on PFAS firefighting foams regulation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on restricting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams in the United Kingdom.

According to HSE, the assessment was carried out under UK REACH at the request of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the agreement of the Welsh and Scottish Governments.

The regulator explained that the assessment is contained in an Annex 15 report, which sets out the risks PFAS in firefighting foams may pose to human health and the environment.

HSE said the document also outlines a proposed restriction on the placing on the market and use of firefighting foams containing PFAS.

The consultation is open until 23:59 London time on 18 February 2026.

Purpose of the consultation

HSE stated that the consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposed restriction and the risk assessments contained in the Annex 15 report.

It added that evidence-based comments will support the next stage of the UK REACH restriction process, referred to as the opinion-forming stage.

The organisation said feedback received will help ensure that any future regulatory action is proportionate and based on evidence.

The regulator has produced a short question-and-answer document to explain PFAS and the proposed restriction in more detail, including technical questions.

Stakeholders invited to respond

HSE confirmed that responses are invited from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, non-governmental organisations, researchers and members of the public.

It said respondents are encouraged to review the Annex 15 report and provide evidence to support their comments.

The regulator explained that supporting data and references will strengthen submissions and aid in developing the restriction opinion.

HSE noted that those unable to provide detailed information may submit partial responses and indicate willingness to be contacted for further support.

Handling of confidentiality and data protection

HSE advised that information submitted during the consultation may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, or the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

It confirmed that statutory Codes of Practice outline how confidentiality requests should be managed.

The regulator explained that respondents requesting confidentiality must state this clearly in their submissions and provide reasons, though confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

HSE added that any automatic disclaimers generated in email footers will be disregarded.

The organisation said personal data will be handled in line with UK GDPR, meaning it will not normally be shared with third parties unless legally required.

Submission process for responses

HSE stated that stakeholders can provide comments by completing fields in the consultation survey or by uploading supporting documents.

The regulator explained that respondents submitting confidential information should provide two versions: a public version and a confidential version marked as such.

It added that both versions will be considered when forming the restriction opinion, but confidentiality will be respected when publishing documents.

HSE said that those needing support may tick an option to allow contact for assistance.

It advised that personal data may be shared with the Environment Agency, independent scientific advisers, and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Defra, subject to consent.

Timeline and next steps

According to HSE, the consultation will remain open for six months, closing at 23:59 London time on 18 February 2026.

The regulator stated that responses received will inform the development of the opinion stage of the UK REACH restriction process.

It confirmed that evidence gathered will play a role in shaping any regulatory action.

The organisation noted that final decisions will consider the balance between environmental protection, public health, and practical use of firefighting foams.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The consultation directly affects organisations using firefighting foams that contain PFAS.

It provides an opportunity for fire and rescue services, training providers and industry users to contribute evidence on operational impacts.

Professionals in the fire safety sector may wish to provide data on availability, effectiveness and alternatives to PFAS-based foams.

The process could influence future procurement, training and emergency response planning in the UK fire safety sector.

UK consultation launched on firefighting foams containing PFAS: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on restricting PFAS in firefighting foams in the United Kingdom.

The consultation was requested by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with agreement from the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

The assessment is set out in an Annex 15 report.

The consultation seeks comments and evidence on the proposed restriction.

Responses will inform the next stage of the UK REACH restriction process.

HSE invited responses from industry, NGOs, researchers and the public.

The consultation will remain open for six months.

It closes at 23:59 London time on 18 February 2026.