Contaminated Sydney: the PFAS chemical risk
Investigations by the Sydney Morning Herald have revealed that authorities are investigating over 90 sites across Australia for elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). These sites include Botany, Westleigh and Camden Airport. PFAS chemicals can be found in firefighting materials, food packaging, and were the key ingredient in Scotch Guard before 2000 (its use was phased out after 2000). The chemicals are banned in over 100 countries, but not in Australia.
Carrie Fellner is the investigative reporter at Sydney Morning Herald who broke the story and she says that, while other countries have linked PFAS chemicals to health issues such as suppression of the immune system, impacting cholesterol levels and liver function, and greater risk of cancers, the Australian government says “no consistent evidence that (PFAS) chemicals cause any health effects”.
