In a dramatic and powerful testimony, a former chemical engineer who once worked with highly toxic ‘forever chemicals’ has publicly demanded their immediate ban, warning of their devastating and irreversible impact on human health and the environment.
The insider, who chose to remain anonymous due to ongoing professional ties, describes a profound personal reckoning. Having witnessed the formidable persistence of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) firsthand, he now believes the UK government must act decisively to prohibit their use.
The Unbreakable Bond: A Engineer’s Dilemma
“I used to work with PFAS, but they do need to be banned,” the engineer states, capturing the central conflict of his career. He explains that the very property that made these chemicals so valuable to industry—their incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bond—is what makes them so dangerous. This bond refuses to break down naturally, leading to their accumulation in water, soil, and even human bloodstreams.
His expertise allows him to articulate a simple, chilling truth: there is no safe way to contain them. “Once you make them, they are pretty much everywhere,” he says, highlighting the near-impossibility of preventing environmental leakage during manufacturing, use, or disposal.
From Asset to Liability: The Growing Body of Evidence
The engineer’s conversion from industry professional to advocate for a ban was catalysed by the mounting scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure to severe health issues. Studies have associated these chemicals with:
- Various forms of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.
- Liver damage and compromised immune system function.
- Developmental problems in infants and children.
- Complications during pregnancy.
He expresses deep concern that these substances are now “in the blood of nearly every person on the planet,” creating a global public health crisis that is silently escalating.
A Call for Urgent UK Action and Stricter Regulation
While some regulations exist, the engineer condemns them as woefully inadequate. He argues that the current piecemeal approach of managing individual PFAS compounds one at a time is a futile game of whack-a-mole, as industry simply invents new, similarly problematic variants.
His solution is unequivocal: a comprehensive, group-based ban on all PFAS chemicals. He urges UK policymakers to look to developing countries, often the dumping ground for hazardous materials, and lead by example with robust, preventative legislation. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a profound matter of global justice and public safety.
This insider’s shocking plea serves as a stark reminder that the cost of convenience is often far higher than it appears. The call for a UK PFAS ban is no longer just coming from environmental activists—it’s coming from the very people who know these chemicals best.
