New limits on forever chemicals in drinking water proposed

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These substances don’t break down in the environment, or our bodies. As such, they are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC) has proposed tightening its rules around ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water.

Per and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS) are chemicals that make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water. They’re used in items such as non-stick cookware and firefighting foam.

These substances don’t break down in the environment, or our bodies. As such, they are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.

Exposure to specific PFAS has been associated with an increased risk of negative health impacts.

PFAS

PFAS are found in many everyday products, including cooking pans, food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and toilet paper.

Due to their widespread use, PFAS are often present in landfills and wastewater treatment facilities.

Recent research from UNSW found Australia is one of the world’s PFAS “hotspots”.

Health impacts

Research into the potential health impacts of PFAS is ongoing.

A number of studies in the U.S. have linked PFAS to cancers, high cholesterol, liver damage, and reproductive issues. Last year, the World Health Organisation classified one type of PFAS as cancer-causing to humans.

Other research bodies, including the NHMRC, have concluded that PFAS exposure is associated with “mild” impacts on cholesterol, kidney function, and hormone levels.

Guidelines

NHMRC has drafted new guidelines around safe levels of PFAS in drinking water.

It focused on four specific chemicals commonly found in water sources. The reduced limits of these four chemicals are based on the amount a person can consume in drinking water over a lifetime, without any significant health risks.

The NHMRC said the proposed guidelines are “very conservative, and include a range of uncertainty factors, which always err on the side of caution.”

Under the draft guidelines, the safe limit for one type of chemical, PFOA, will be lowered to 200 nanograms per litre, down from 560. This measurement is based on new concerns about cancer risks.

The limit for another chemical, PFOS, will be lowered to 4 nanograms per litre, from 70. This measurement is based on new concerns about the effects on bone marrow.

The draft is currently open for public consultation. The final guidelines are expected to be released in April 2025.

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