PFAS in firefighting foam restriction proposals: Consultation open and final Risk Assessment Opinion published

HSE is seeking views on the draft Socioeconomic Assessment Opinion.

HSE has opened a 60-day public consultation on the draft Socioeconomic Assessment (SEA) Opinion associated with the appropriateness of restrictions to reduce risks to the environment and human health from the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams (FFF).

The consultation includes a series of questions which we would specifically welcome responses on, as well as inviting interested parties to provide comments on the draft SEA. Relevant evidence should be provided to support any responses.

View the public consultation for PFAS in FFF.

The consultation closes on 7 September 2026.

We have also published our Risk Assessment Opinion on the appropriateness of restriction to reduce risks to the environment and human health from PFAS in FFF. This is included in the Agency Opinion but is not part of the above consultation.

Inclusion of SVHCs on the candidate list: Consultation open

HSE has opened a 6-week consultation on the inclusion of 9 substances/groups of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the UK REACH candidate list.

Details regarding the basis for inclusion can be found within the specific consultations. Interested parties are invited to comment and submit information on the identity or hazardous properties of the following:

• Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCP)
• 1,1'-[ethane-1,2-diylbisoxy]bis[2,4,6-tribromobenzene] (BTBPE)
• Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone (BCPS)
• 2-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (Bumetrizole)
• Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol (OAPP)
• Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives
• O,O,O-triphenyl phosphororthioate (TPPT)
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid and its salts
• 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts
  
  

Full details, including EC and CAS numbers (where relevant) are included on the individual consultation pages accessed from the links provided.

The consultations close on 20 August 2026.

Further consultations will be announced by ebulletin, and the Registry of SVHC Intentions Until Outcome on HSE’s website will also be updated. 

Free webinar: Work-related stress and how to manage it

12 August, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Hear from HSE and our publishing partner TSO about the resources and tools available that can help workplaces successfully manage work-related stress. Topics covered include:

• stress management standards
• stress indicator tool
  
  

The webinar will conclude with a live audience Q&A.

Register for our webinar: Work-related stress and how to manage it