Where is PFAS Contamination in Australia?
After months of headlines and bombshells, the PFAS conversation is starting to feel a lot closer to home. So-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in every capital city in the country, with several communities being awarded government payouts from class action lawsuits.
These compounds have truly become “the asbestos of our time”—a popular construction material once lauded for its versatility and efficacy that we now understand is connected to serious health concerns.
While our Forever Chemical FAQ series provided information to help you understand what different types of PFAS were used for, which were the most hazardous, and where they all came from, this article provides a PFAS contamination sites map to answer a simple, more immediate question: do I live near a forever chemical pollution site?
Understanding PFAS Contamination
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications since the 1940s. The PFAS family includes over 4,000 different artificial compounds, each with their own properties and uses. However, all PFAS are typically grease-resistant and water-repellant, making them popular in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams.
PFAS are also persistent pollutants that can accumulate in the environment—and in human bodies. PFAS particles have incredibly long lifespans, earning the nickname “forever chemicals” for how long they take to break down.
In recent decades, PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues. The World Health Organisation has classified several classes of PFAS as carcinogenic, and studies are ongoing to help us understand just how much of an impact these pervasive pollutants are having on our bodies.
PFAS Contamination in Australia?
PFAS contamination is a growing concern in Australia, with numerous sites identified across the country. The main source of contamination in Australia is from firefighting foams, particularly those used for drills in military training bases. PFAS compounds are also produced as a by-product of industrial processes.
Australian PFAS contamination sites include former industrial areas, military bases, and fire training grounds where forever chemicals have leached into groundwater stores. More recently, PFAS have been detected in surface water reservoirs, carried by airborne particles and rainwater.
PFAS Contamination Sites Map
Australia is a very large country, and different regions draw their drinking water from different sources. Reports of contamination sites spread across thousands of kilometres and decades of news stories, making the overall picture difficult to visualise.
Fortunately, this website has collated all the public information about PFAS in Australia and placed it on an interactive map. Each data point on this map includes descriptions of the areas, exact reported PFAS levels, dates, and recommended actions.
The full map can be viewed here.
The impact of PFAS
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several serious health issues. These include:
- Cancer: Several types of PFAS (particularly PFOA) have been linked to increased risks of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and more.
- Liver damage: PFAS can damage the liver, leading to liver disease.
- Reproductive problems: Exposure to PFAS has been associated with reduced fertility, low birth weight, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and infant health issues.
- Immune system disruption: PFAS can weaken immune system responses, making individuals with high exposure levels more susceptible to infections. This can also lead to reduced responsiveness to vaccines.
- Endocrine disruption: PFAS exposure can influence hormonal activity, particularly in mothers and young children. This can cause a wide range of health issues, from developmental delays to increased risks of obesity.
Protecting Yourself from PFAS Contamination
While PFAS contamination is a serious issue, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
- Choose PFAS-Free Products: Opt for products that are labelled as PFAS-free or non-toxic. Avoiding products manufactured by DuPont or 3M is a good starting point.
- Install a Water Filtration System: A high-quality water filtration system can help remove PFAS from your drinking water. The best protection against forever chemicals is a reverse osmosis purifier.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest information about PFAS contamination in your area. Have a look at contamination sites near your home on the PFAS map above.
- Advocate for Clean Water: Support initiatives to clean up PFAS contamination and protect water resources. Australia is currently considering updates to its PFAS guidelines, so being part of the conversation will help shape a safer future for our tap water.
At Complete Home Filtration, we’re committed to providing innovative solutions to protect your family from unwanted chemicals and contaminants—including PFAS. To learn more about protecting your home and family from contaminated water, send us a message or call 1300 693 458.
