Australian guidelines for PFAS in drinking water are facing scrutiny as the US and EU adopt stricter regulations for these harmful chemicals.
Anna Kelsey-Sugg and Bec Zajac report for ABC News.
In short:
- Australian guidelines allow higher levels of PFAS in drinking water compared to the US, which recently set stricter limits following a WHO declaration classifying PFAS as carcinogenic.
- Experts criticize Australia for relying on outdated standards that do not adequately protect public health and argue for comprehensive testing and regulation.
- While PFAS chemicals are found in everyday items, prolonged exposure through contaminated water poses significant health risks, including impacts on the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Key quote:
"Australia cannot continue to use drinking water guidelines that are an international embarrassment."
— Mariann Lloyd-Smith, a senior policy advisor for the International Pollutants Elimination Network and former member of the UN Expert Group on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Why this matters:
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and accumulate in human bodies, potentially leading to severe health issues. Updating guidelines and improving testing in Australia could prevent long-term health risks associated with these chemicals.
