Revealing hidden dangers of ‘forever chemicals’ on BBC Panorama
BBC Panorama’s latest investigation features Manchester Met’s Dr David Megson uncovering the hidden risks of PFAS exposure.
In its newest episode, The Truth About Forever Chemicals, Panorama delves into the unseen chemicals lurking all aspects of our daily life.
The episode centres around PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, that are found in everyday items used in our kitchens and in our clothes. But they also appear in our food and water, which Dr Megson explores with reporter Catrin Nye.
Dr Megson is a Reader in Chemistry and Environmental Forensics, focusing on identifying the sources of environmental pollutants and establishing the magnitude of any human or wildlife exposures.
Dr Megson said “During our picnic on the beach we identify all the different potential ways we might be exposed to PFAS. A lot of people are concerned about PFAS in drinking water, but my contribution highlighted that exposure to PFAS can come from many other routes, specifically the food we eat and everyday items we use.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time filming with the crew, firstly because I got a picnic out of it, but importantly because it was great to be able to chat through alternative sources of PFAS exposure. I believe these are understudied, underappreciated routes that pose a greater risk to us than the water we drink.”
Catrin Nye, Senior Reporter at BBC News Investigations, reveals how these forever chemicals can have an impact on ourselves and contaminate the environment, questioning whether the government is doing enough to protect us.
Catrin said: “I am not great with needles – but as part of a BBC Panorama investigation into so-called forever chemicals, I was being tested to see what level of them I had in my blood. As a mum with two small children, I also wanted to know whether they may be having an impact on my family.”
Catrin was tested by a specialist in preventative healthcare, who told Catrin there was some PFAS in her bloodstream.
“The forever chemicals in my blood would “most likely” have an impact on my health, she told me. I also learned that, sadly, my body would have rid itself of some of these chemicals during pregnancy, by passing it on to my babies.
“That was the moment this investigation stopped being just work and felt very personal.”
Watch the full investigation on BBC iPlayer.
