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21 new PFAS chemicals identified in Sydney tap water via sensitive testing methods
Australian researchers have found 21 new "forever chemicals" in Sydney's tap water, including one that's been detected in tap water globally for the first time. The researchers from the University of New South Wales sampled tap water from four catchment sites across Sydney, looking for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — a family of chemicals in firefighting foam and everyday products that remain in the environment. Alex Donald, a professor in chemistry and the lead author of the research, said they found 31 PFAS chemicals in total from sites at Ryde, Potts Hill, Prospect and North Richmond. "We knew we would find more than were known, but we actually found 21 that hadn't been reported previously in Australian drinking water," he said. Professor Donald said he wanted to "reassure" the public, however, noting the concentrations are very low. "We're talking about one drop of water in up to 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. "So very low levels and they're within safe Australian drinking water guidelines, which regulate four distinct PFAS chemicals and their concentrations." He said the chemicals had not been identified until now, likely due to two main factors, including using more sensitive testing methods that can detect low levels of chemicals. The researchers were also looking for specific chemicals in order to detect them. Professor Donald said one of the PFAS chemicals found had not been reported previously in any drinking supply globally. "It has been picked up in various consumer products like food packaging and so somehow that must have made it into the waterway, but we don't know the origin of it," he said. Another significant finding was the first ever detection in Australian drinking water of a compound he described as a "breakdown product of firefighting foams". "And that's only been reported once previously overseas," he said. "Those two are quite rare to see in drinking water." The US Environmental Protection Agency considers there is no safe level of PFAS in drinking water, due to health risks it presents to humans, but the Australian government guidelines state there is a safe level of exposure. "Sydney's water meets current Australian standards, but when considering health benchmarks used in other countries, some samples were near or above safety limits," Professor Donald said. 'I still drink the tap water, and the experts are saying it's safe, but I think it does give you pause about just what is in there and I would like to see more research about detecting chemicals and seeing how prevalent it is." The research comes at the same time as the release of the findings of an expert advisory panel established by NSW Health. It found that based on "substantial research already undertaken, the health effects of PFAS appear to be small". The report says at present there is "no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood rest for PFAS" and that "clinical interventions that reduce blood PFAS are of uncertain benefit and may cause harm". The expert panel was made up of speciality practitioners, including leading science and health experts in the fields of oncology, endocrinology, toxicology, cardiology, epidemiology, pathology, primary care, public health and risk communication.
