Major PFAS health study releases findings

Firefighting foam can contain PFAS. A research team led by The Australian National University (ANU) has released findings from a major epidemiological study funded by the Department of Health, which examined the potential health impacts of PFAS in three Australian communities. PFAS-perand poly-fluoroalkyl substances-are man-made chemicals found in a range of products, including firefighting foam and non-stick cookware. There are many different types of PFAS chemicals, all of which last for a long time in the environment and in the bodies of people who are exposed. Despite many international studies looking into PFAS, there is uncertainty about their health effects in people. The study examined three communities with environmental PFAS exposure-Katherine in the Northern Territory, Oakey in Queensland and Williamtown in New South Wales. All three communities were affected by historic use of firefighting foams containing PFAS on nearby Defence Force bases.