Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Because of their widespread use, most people in Australia are expected to have some PFAS present in their body. Although there are many types of PFAS that exist, the most prevalent PFAS found in the Australian population to date have been perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS).

For most people the level of exposure is likely to be relatively small and no public health and safety concerns in relation to PFAS have been identified for the general Australian population.

Some people who live or work in areas that have been contaminated with PFAS, might have been exposed to higher levels of PFAS through food or drinking water. They are advised to minimise their exposure until there is more known about possible impacts on health.

There are a number of investigations occurring within Western Australia. These investigations are completed in accordance with the Contaminated  Sites Act 2003. Further information on PFAS investigations in Western Australia is available from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (external site).

Reference values are used by scientists to determine the acceptance level of chemicals or substances in your diet. One way to express these values is through a Tolerable Daily Intake, often referred to as a (TDI). The TDI’s for PFAS are important because the major routes of exposure in communities are through contaminated drinking water and contaminated food. The TDI for PFAS is used specifically for conducting assessments (including, human health risk assessments) at contaminated sites.

There is no evidence that PFAS is a major contributor to poor health outcomes in pregnant women or their babies

Breastfeeding has significant benefits for infants. These benefits far outweigh any potential health risks from PFAS that may be transferred to infants through breast milk.

Because we do not yet know whether PFAS causes adverse health effects, blood tests measuring levels of PFAS tests cannot say whether a person will become sick as a result of the PFAS in their body, or whether a current medical condition is the result of PFAS exposure.

Blood tests have been conducted on groups of people in the PFAS Investigation Areas surrounding Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine. Information on the findings of the study is available from the Australian National University (external link).

The Australian Government is aware of community concerns about exposure to PFAS and is monitoring and supporting scientific research into potential health impacts. The Australian Government (external link) provides up-to-date information.