Seven in 10 Aussies admit to faking sickie in past year
It was estimated sickies cost Australian businesses $7.3bn a year in lost productivity and 24.6 million days off.
The study conducted by iSelect found the most common reasons people took a sick day were a lack of sleep, to relax and recharge, mental health or personal issues to deal with family, or relationship problems.
The health insurance comparison service found when mental health issues were counted as personal leave, 68 per cent of Australians still admitted to taking a fake sick day.
The highest proportion of people pulling a sickie were workers aged 25 to 34 (84.5 per cent).
The most significant difference between men and women surveyed was that 26.6 per cent of women used a sick day for a mental health day compared with 19.5 per cent of men.
Men 12.9 (per cent) were more likely to take a sick day because they were hungover compared with women (8.5 per cent), but twice as many women (20 per cent) were more likely to take the day off to care for children than men.
Other excuses revealed some workers took sick days to attend a special event or they just wanted the day off for general leisure. Others avoided meetings or did not want to go to work because it was raining.
iSelect general manager of health Andres Gutierrez said the research found it was very common for Australians to take a sickie at least once a year despite not being physically ill.
'A lack of sleep, wanting to relax and recharge, and mental health are the top three reasons, highlighting how some Australians might choose to prioritise self-care,' he said.
'If you're finding it tough to get a good night's sleep or you're dealing with mental health challenges, it's important to reach out for support.'
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'New highly-targeted drugs': beanies for brain cancer to fund big project
The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project". Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference". The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies. Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope. He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials". The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs". The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics". This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells. If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection. The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas". Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better". "Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist. He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients". Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies". Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer". If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country. The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years. It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10. In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people. Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis. Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates. The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation. This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania. Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne. At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer. His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer. "Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year. "I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there." The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project". Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference". The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies. Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope. He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials". The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs". The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics". This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells. If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection. The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas". Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better". "Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist. He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients". Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies". Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer". If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country. The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years. It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10. In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people. Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis. Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates. The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation. This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania. Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne. At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer. His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer. "Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year. "I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there." The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project". Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference". The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies. Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope. He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials". The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs". The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics". This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells. If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection. The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas". Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better". "Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist. He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients". Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies". Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer". If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country. The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years. It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10. In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people. Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis. Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates. The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation. This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania. Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne. At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer. His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer. "Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year. "I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there." The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project". Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference". The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies. Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope. He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials". The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs". The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics". This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells. If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection. The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas". Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better". "Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist. He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients". Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies". Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer". If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country. The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years. It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10. In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people. Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis. Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates. The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation. This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania. Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne. At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer. His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer. "Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year. "I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Major finding on health effects of PFAS revealed by NSW Health panel
The health effects of PFAS "appear to be small", a NSW Health expert panel has found. The panel, which released its recommendations on Tuesday, found "there is no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS". The panel has 13 members, including Hunter New England Health public health physician Tony Merritt. John Hunter Hospital clinical director of endocrinology Shamasunder Acharya was also on the panel. PFAS contamination has been an issue at Williamtown since 2012. In more recent years, health concerns have risen across the country, amid reports of PFAS contamination of drinking water and the food chain. The panel's report said "many health conditions potentially associated with PFAS are common in the community and associated with well-established risk factors". Nonetheless, the report noted that studies had "reported an association between PFAS exposure and high cholesterol and reduced kidney function". Further associations were made between PFAS exposure and changes to the immune system, hormone levels, liver enzymes and menstruation. Additionally, these "forever chemicals" had been linked to "lower birthweight, high blood pressure in pregnancy and some cancers". But the panel said there were "inconsistent findings across different studies, with limited evidence of a dose-response relationship". "The amount of PFAS measured in some studies was low, similar to levels found in the general population. "These studies are unable to distinguish any effects of PFAS from the many other factors that can affect health." The report said there were "few high-quality studies of workers exposed to high levels of PFAS". It added that health effects associated with PFAS "may instead result from factors such as poor kidney function". "PFAS are partly excreted by the kidneys. This means people with poor kidney function will have higher levels of PFAS, which may result in apparent associations between PFAS and other health conditions." The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic. The panel examined these findings, but said it was "confident that the absolute cancer risk from PFAS was low". It also stated that authorities should avoid using "currently available human epidemiological studies" to obtain PFAS threshold levels due to a high risk of bias. Research shows forever chemicals are in the blood of most people. A University of Newcastle paper, published last year, said mounting epidemiological evidence supports "negative associations between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions". The paper acknowledged that it was "challenging to definitively link PFAS exposure to impacts on human health". However, it found that "the balance of evidence" supports the potential for PFAS exposure to lead to adverse health outcomes. The Newcastle Herald reported in June that Hunter Water had welcomed revised Australian drinking water guidelines for PFAS. Tests confirmed that Hunter Water-supplied drinking water was safe and met the revised guidelines. Dr Kerry Chant, the chief health officer, said "updated NSW Health advice provides consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure". "There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously," Dr Chant said. Nonetheless, NSW Health said it accepted all the expert panel's recommendations, which included "how to communicate risk in the context of evolving evidence". The health effects of PFAS "appear to be small", a NSW Health expert panel has found. The panel, which released its recommendations on Tuesday, found "there is no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS". The panel has 13 members, including Hunter New England Health public health physician Tony Merritt. John Hunter Hospital clinical director of endocrinology Shamasunder Acharya was also on the panel. PFAS contamination has been an issue at Williamtown since 2012. In more recent years, health concerns have risen across the country, amid reports of PFAS contamination of drinking water and the food chain. The panel's report said "many health conditions potentially associated with PFAS are common in the community and associated with well-established risk factors". Nonetheless, the report noted that studies had "reported an association between PFAS exposure and high cholesterol and reduced kidney function". Further associations were made between PFAS exposure and changes to the immune system, hormone levels, liver enzymes and menstruation. Additionally, these "forever chemicals" had been linked to "lower birthweight, high blood pressure in pregnancy and some cancers". But the panel said there were "inconsistent findings across different studies, with limited evidence of a dose-response relationship". "The amount of PFAS measured in some studies was low, similar to levels found in the general population. "These studies are unable to distinguish any effects of PFAS from the many other factors that can affect health." The report said there were "few high-quality studies of workers exposed to high levels of PFAS". It added that health effects associated with PFAS "may instead result from factors such as poor kidney function". "PFAS are partly excreted by the kidneys. This means people with poor kidney function will have higher levels of PFAS, which may result in apparent associations between PFAS and other health conditions." The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic. The panel examined these findings, but said it was "confident that the absolute cancer risk from PFAS was low". It also stated that authorities should avoid using "currently available human epidemiological studies" to obtain PFAS threshold levels due to a high risk of bias. Research shows forever chemicals are in the blood of most people. A University of Newcastle paper, published last year, said mounting epidemiological evidence supports "negative associations between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions". The paper acknowledged that it was "challenging to definitively link PFAS exposure to impacts on human health". However, it found that "the balance of evidence" supports the potential for PFAS exposure to lead to adverse health outcomes. The Newcastle Herald reported in June that Hunter Water had welcomed revised Australian drinking water guidelines for PFAS. Tests confirmed that Hunter Water-supplied drinking water was safe and met the revised guidelines. Dr Kerry Chant, the chief health officer, said "updated NSW Health advice provides consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure". "There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously," Dr Chant said. Nonetheless, NSW Health said it accepted all the expert panel's recommendations, which included "how to communicate risk in the context of evolving evidence". The health effects of PFAS "appear to be small", a NSW Health expert panel has found. The panel, which released its recommendations on Tuesday, found "there is no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS". The panel has 13 members, including Hunter New England Health public health physician Tony Merritt. John Hunter Hospital clinical director of endocrinology Shamasunder Acharya was also on the panel. PFAS contamination has been an issue at Williamtown since 2012. In more recent years, health concerns have risen across the country, amid reports of PFAS contamination of drinking water and the food chain. The panel's report said "many health conditions potentially associated with PFAS are common in the community and associated with well-established risk factors". Nonetheless, the report noted that studies had "reported an association between PFAS exposure and high cholesterol and reduced kidney function". Further associations were made between PFAS exposure and changes to the immune system, hormone levels, liver enzymes and menstruation. Additionally, these "forever chemicals" had been linked to "lower birthweight, high blood pressure in pregnancy and some cancers". But the panel said there were "inconsistent findings across different studies, with limited evidence of a dose-response relationship". "The amount of PFAS measured in some studies was low, similar to levels found in the general population. "These studies are unable to distinguish any effects of PFAS from the many other factors that can affect health." The report said there were "few high-quality studies of workers exposed to high levels of PFAS". It added that health effects associated with PFAS "may instead result from factors such as poor kidney function". "PFAS are partly excreted by the kidneys. This means people with poor kidney function will have higher levels of PFAS, which may result in apparent associations between PFAS and other health conditions." The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic. The panel examined these findings, but said it was "confident that the absolute cancer risk from PFAS was low". It also stated that authorities should avoid using "currently available human epidemiological studies" to obtain PFAS threshold levels due to a high risk of bias. Research shows forever chemicals are in the blood of most people. A University of Newcastle paper, published last year, said mounting epidemiological evidence supports "negative associations between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions". The paper acknowledged that it was "challenging to definitively link PFAS exposure to impacts on human health". However, it found that "the balance of evidence" supports the potential for PFAS exposure to lead to adverse health outcomes. The Newcastle Herald reported in June that Hunter Water had welcomed revised Australian drinking water guidelines for PFAS. Tests confirmed that Hunter Water-supplied drinking water was safe and met the revised guidelines. Dr Kerry Chant, the chief health officer, said "updated NSW Health advice provides consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure". "There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously," Dr Chant said. Nonetheless, NSW Health said it accepted all the expert panel's recommendations, which included "how to communicate risk in the context of evolving evidence". The health effects of PFAS "appear to be small", a NSW Health expert panel has found. The panel, which released its recommendations on Tuesday, found "there is no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS". The panel has 13 members, including Hunter New England Health public health physician Tony Merritt. John Hunter Hospital clinical director of endocrinology Shamasunder Acharya was also on the panel. PFAS contamination has been an issue at Williamtown since 2012. In more recent years, health concerns have risen across the country, amid reports of PFAS contamination of drinking water and the food chain. The panel's report said "many health conditions potentially associated with PFAS are common in the community and associated with well-established risk factors". Nonetheless, the report noted that studies had "reported an association between PFAS exposure and high cholesterol and reduced kidney function". Further associations were made between PFAS exposure and changes to the immune system, hormone levels, liver enzymes and menstruation. Additionally, these "forever chemicals" had been linked to "lower birthweight, high blood pressure in pregnancy and some cancers". But the panel said there were "inconsistent findings across different studies, with limited evidence of a dose-response relationship". "The amount of PFAS measured in some studies was low, similar to levels found in the general population. "These studies are unable to distinguish any effects of PFAS from the many other factors that can affect health." The report said there were "few high-quality studies of workers exposed to high levels of PFAS". It added that health effects associated with PFAS "may instead result from factors such as poor kidney function". "PFAS are partly excreted by the kidneys. This means people with poor kidney function will have higher levels of PFAS, which may result in apparent associations between PFAS and other health conditions." The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic. The panel examined these findings, but said it was "confident that the absolute cancer risk from PFAS was low". It also stated that authorities should avoid using "currently available human epidemiological studies" to obtain PFAS threshold levels due to a high risk of bias. Research shows forever chemicals are in the blood of most people. A University of Newcastle paper, published last year, said mounting epidemiological evidence supports "negative associations between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions". The paper acknowledged that it was "challenging to definitively link PFAS exposure to impacts on human health". However, it found that "the balance of evidence" supports the potential for PFAS exposure to lead to adverse health outcomes. The Newcastle Herald reported in June that Hunter Water had welcomed revised Australian drinking water guidelines for PFAS. Tests confirmed that Hunter Water-supplied drinking water was safe and met the revised guidelines. Dr Kerry Chant, the chief health officer, said "updated NSW Health advice provides consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure". "There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously," Dr Chant said. Nonetheless, NSW Health said it accepted all the expert panel's recommendations, which included "how to communicate risk in the context of evolving evidence".
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Forever chemicals: NSW Health findings defy public concerns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illness. Followed categories will be added to My News. There is 'considerable concern' among communities about exposure to so-called 'forever chemicals' found in everyday products and their potential health risks. However, after thoroughly reviewing the evidence, experts say the health effects appear to be small and individual blood testing offers no clear medical benefit. The NSW Health Expert Advisory Panel on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has released its final report, delivering clear guidance on the health effects of these widely found 'forever chemicals', the value of blood testing, and the best ways to communicate risks to communities. PFAS have been used since the 1940s in products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water, but concerns have grown worldwide about their presence in the environment and potential health impacts. The panel, made up of leading clinical experts across toxicology, oncology, cardiology, public health, and risk communication, evaluated the latest Australian and global research to inform health advice. While acknowledging the body of research for health effects related to PFAS is 'large and still growing', the panel concluded that the health effects of PFAS 'appear to be small'. It noted links between PFAS exposure and conditions including high cholesterol, reduced kidney function, immune system changes, hormone alterations, liver enzyme changes, menstruation issues, lower birthweight, pregnancy high blood pressure, and some cancers. However, the panel stressed the evidence was inconsistent, with 'limited evidence of a dose-response relationship' and difficulty separating PFAS effects from other factors that can affect health, especially in studies with PFAS levels similar to the general population. It also highlighted the influence of bias and confounding factors such as smoking, diet, and age. A $3.5 million mobile PFAS treatment system installed at the Cascade Water Filtration Plant on the outskirts of Sydney. Picture: Supplied Addressing widespread public concern about cancer, the panel said it remained confident that the absolute cancer risk from PFAS was low based on the human epidemiological studies and levels of exposure in the Australian population. The panel noted that while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as 'cancer causing' and PFOS as 'possibly cancer causing', IARC's findings didn't specify safe exposure levels, how much exposure increases risk, or how big that risk might be. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) are specific types of PFAS. The panel stressed that, despite these hazard classifications, the actual cancer risk from PFAS in Australia was low based on studies and typical exposure levels. One of the panel's strongest messages is that there is 'no clinical benefit' for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS. The report stated that PFAS chemicals appeared in more than 95 per cent of people tested, showing widespread exposure from multiple sources. PFAS contamination in water sources remains a key concern. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Because PFAS are so common, the expert panel said blood tests were hard to interpret and didn't predict health outcomes, so it didn't recommend individual testing. Although levels have been declining over the past 20 years, high background exposure makes studying health effects challenging. The panel supports ongoing population monitoring to track changes This stance differs from 2022 guidance by the US National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), which suggested blood testing might guide clinical care. The NSW panel pointed out limitations in NASEM's approach, including reliance on studies with small effects and possible bias, and noted that US agencies like the CDC and ATSDR have not adopted NASEM's recommendations for individual blood testing. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) are the three main PFAS types historically used in aqueous firefighting foams. The panel also advised against interventions such as phlebotomy or cholesterol-lowering medications to reduce PFAS in the blood, calling their benefits 'uncertain' and warning they 'may cause harm' like anaemia or medication interactions. Instead, clinicians are urged to focus on 'usual preventative health interventions' to support patients. Recognising 'genuine concern' in parts of the community about exposure to PFAS and the potential health impacts, the panel stressed that risk communication must be 'tailored to the diverse levels of concern' and continued transparency maintained. The panel stated that reliable epidemiological studies required 'well characterised' exposures, measured confounders, and sufficiently large populations; conditions 'not currently met in the Blue Mountains population or in other communities in NSW'. It urged authorities to avoid using currently available human epidemiological studies to derive threshold levels due to the higher risk of bias and confounding. Instead, it supported continuing Australia's conservative approach of setting exposure limits based on animal studies with safety factors, such as those by the National Health and Medical Research Council. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said updated NSW Health advice provided consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure. 'There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously,' Dr Chant said. 'NSW Health will continue to support local clinicians with information for GPs who may be managing patients with concerns about PFAS exposure, including evidence about potential adverse health effects, counselling patients, the utility of blood tests for PFAS and the role of further investigations.' Originally published as Widespread PFAS exposure, but cancer risk 'low,' experts confirm
