Approach to forever chemicals 'piecemeal, inadequate'
A parliamentary inquiry is examining the regulation and management of PFAS and is holding a public hearing in Canberra on Tuesday.
PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been widely used in products including cookware and firefighting foams due to their oil and water repellence and temperature resistance.
In a submission, the Australian Academy of Science says the majority of PFAS are highly stable and can persist in the environment for years, with the potential to "contaminate water sources and accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals".
The academy has called for monitoring to allow for assessment of the environmental and human risk, to inform management and remediation efforts.
"The present piecemeal approach is inadequate," the submission reads.
"The extent and distribution of PFAS in the Australian environment are not known.
"This is a significant knowledge gap that needs to be filled. There is no nationally consistent methodology and protocols, meaning direct comparisons and useful conclusions from different inputs are sub-optimal."
The science academy says it is imperative Australia boosts its monitoring efforts to "inform robust policy responses to address legitimate concerns".
Despite Australia having phased out the use of forever chemicals in firefighting foams, the risk of contamination of soil and water remains in areas near airports, defence bases and firefighting training bases.
Cancer Council Australia noted the evidence for a causative link between PFAS and cancer is "weak and conflicting", although research is rapidly evolving.
The council said there was a need for clearer guidance about the potential risks posed to public health by PFAS contamination and exposure.
"A national approach to environmental and human bio-monitoring should be implemented to track long-term trends in the potential health impacts of PFAS," the submission reads.
The monitoring of communities in Australia at risk of higher exposure to PFAS is warranted, the Cancer Council says.
The inquiry will report in early August.
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