Latest news with #7NEWS.com.au
7NEWS
a day ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Toxic forever chemicals in the blood of most Aussies as researchers uncover EPA testing gap for potential polluters
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has published new data revealing forever chemicals are in the blood of most Australians. These PFAS chemicals, which can accumulate in the body over a lifetime, are linked to cancer — but researchers have also now linked high PFAS concentrations in a Sydney drinking water catchment to sewage sources that the EPA does not test. Detectable levels of the three most prevalent PFAS chemicals — PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS — were found in 85 per cent of the biomedical samples given to the ABS, it said on Tuesday. That data comes just days after Western Sydney University researchers published their own alarming findings about PFAS in Sydney's waterways. 'Essentially, we wanted to look at potential contributors to PFAS in our aquatic ecosystems and were very interested in sewage treatment plants that discharge into Sydney's drinking water catchment,' lead study author Katherine Warwick told The study, built on Warwick's 2024 research, looked into nine dead PFOS-contaminated platypus found in the Warragamba catchment. The Warragamba catchment supplies about 80 per cent of Sydney's water, which is consumed by over five million people. For her latest study, Warwick and her team tested water at sewage treatment plants which pump their treated wastewater back into that catchment, and the researchers found a concerning build-up of PFAS in sediment downstream from the outfalls. 'While PFAS may not be detected in high concentrations in the sewage outfall, it can build up in the downstream sediment, which can pose ecological risks to aquatic wildlife and potentially enter our drinking water supply,' Warwick told 'Currently, these sewage treatment plants are not required to test or monitor for PFAS in either the water or the sediment, and so this issue is largely going undetected.' NSW EPA confirmed it does not currently test for PFAS in the wastewater pumped out into rivers and streams by the sewage treatment plants. But they said that wheels have been in motion to do so for several months. 'As part of the implementation of the revised PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, the EPA has commenced a process to include PFAS monitoring on sewage treatment plant (STP) licences,' the spokesperson said. 'We have commenced targeted engagement on the implementation of monitoring conditions consistent with the NEMP, which was released in March. 'We have also commenced public consultation on our statutory five-yearly review of Sydney Water's STP licences, including on the level of treatment required at STPs. Public submissions close on 12 June 2025 and feedback will inform future licence changes.' Thorough investigation recommended PFAS was not the only pollutant that Warwick's study tested for in the water by sewage treatment plants serving Lithgow, Goulburn, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Bowral — it also tested for metals, nitrogen and phosphorus. 'The concentration of these pollutants generally exceeded recommended NSW Government catchment guidelines in rivers downstream of the sewage treatment plant outfalls,' the study said. And while PFAS levels measured in running water from the sewage treatment plant outfalls were generally below Australian guideline values, it did found PFAS sediment bioaccumulation areas in water nearby. 'We suggest consideration should be given to establishing effluent disposal licence requirements that impose concentration limits and require the regular measurement of PFAS,' the study said. Sewage treatment plants are not the only possible source of PFAS in the catchment — landfills, or and run off from fire training locations where the chemicals in firefighting foam, could also be at fault. The study recommended that 'the source and concentration of PFAS in Warragamba catchment STPs and rivers is thoroughly investigated over an extended period of time.' Sydney Water does test for PFAS in its drinking water, but asserts that there is a safe level of PFAS that can be consumed daily. Australian standards lag behind the US, where a new safety standard would deem some Sydney drinking water unsafe based on 2024 data. An expert previously told that Australian drinking water standards are an 'international embarrassment'. Warragamba Dam was just one of the places where the 2024 testing by Sydney Water found controversial levels of PFAS in the drinking water. The highest levels were detected at Cascade Dam in Blackheath and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Toxic national blood findings There were 11 different types of PFAS that the ABS sought to detect in the blood of the Australians over the age of 12, for its National Health Measures Survey. ABS head of health statistics James Eynstone-Hinkins said that the data is will work 'to create a national baseline for levels of PFAS in the Australian population' and 'support further research into PFAS and the potential impacts of these chemicals on human health.' It will allow the nation to monitor the levels of PFAS in Australians in the future, he said. While the 85 per cent of Australians were found to contain a combination of the three most common PFAS chemicals, the most common of the three, PFOS, was found in 99.1 per cent of men, and 98.3 per cent of women. Two of the other types of PFAS, that the ABS was testing for, were detected in Aussie blood samples at rates between 15 per cent and 45 per cent. Six other types of PFAS were also detected in less than 10 per cent of people. Older people were found to have higher levels of PFAS in general, despite varying levels among survey respondents 'This was in line with expectations as there have been changes in the population's exposure to PFAS over time,' Eynstone-Hinkins said. 'PFAS levels were also generally higher for males than for females.'
Perth Now
a day ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Mum's blunt message to all Australians after dismissing her cancer symptoms
An Adelaide mother-of-three is calling on all Australians to change the way they go about a daily habit after her own cancer symptoms were dismissed. Paediatric nurse Nina Distano was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in April 2020. Five years on, Distano is still undergoing treatment with plenty of support from her family, her husband Aaron and her three teenagers, Ben 18, Luisa 16 and Gabe 13. When she first became sick, Distano said there were other health issues that masked the start of her symptoms, including low iron from her vegetarian diet and bleeding which she thought was just previous hemorrhoids. 'The cause was put down to a combination of slightly heavier periods leading into menopause as well as a predominantly vegetarian diet.,' she told 'There had been occasional blood on the toilet paper but having had three children, I suffered from hemorrhoids as well as being prone to constipation so between the two, I dismissed that sign. 'Getting closer to diagnosis, I was having abdominal pains and weight loss but between shift work and the stress of working in the health system at that time, my eating pattern was irregular so I could also explain that away. 'It took a lot of blood in the toilet one day to get me back to my GP. This prompted a colonoscopy which led to my diagnosis.' Nina Distano initially dismissed her symptoms of bowel cancer. Credit: Supplied She is now in her 50th round of chemotherapy. Credit: Supplied. Battling the cancer head on, Distano said her medical team were optimistic about her recovery. But sadly, the cancer returned and is now stage four. 'My best hope now is to keep it under control for as long as possible,' Distano said. 'My ongoing treatment has included two major abdominal surgeries to remove many of my internal organs and I am coming up to my 50th cycle of chemotherapy. The treatment and surgeries have left me with a multitude of health problems including a colostomy bag, surgical menopause and numbness in my hands and feet.' Distano told that she and her husband have tried to keep their life as normal as possible, with difficult conversations likely to come. A family photo of Aaron, Nina and their three children Ben, Luisa and Gabe on a holiday. Credit: Supplied. She said watching other bowel cancer patients, who were also her friends, die from the disease was 'heartbreaking'. 'My husband has had to care for me when I have been recovering from surgery and when I have chemo. My kids have had to see me extremely unwell and in pain and we are constantly trying to keep away from infections,' she said. 'We have had some difficult conversations — but to be honest the worst are probably yet to come. 'I've lost so many friends along the way who I have met through the bowel cancer community and seen them say goodbye to their loved ones way too soon. It is heartbreaking.' Distano is speaking out ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness month in June, which South Australian-made toilet paper brand Kleenex is using to team up with Bowel Cancer Australia to raise awareness about one of Australia's deadliest cancer. Kleenex rolls will now encourage millions of Aussies to break the taboo and 'check their poo' for bowel cancer symptoms. For those who may not know what to look for, has been launched to help educate and raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and encourage people to take action. Distano told she wished she knew what the symptoms were earlier. 'I wish I knew the signs and symptoms. I would've pushed harder earlier if I'd known that what I was experiencing was not normal and that it is not an old man's disease,' she said. A lot of Australians struggle with talking about their bathroom habits. Credit: Supplied. Adam Carpenter, a mill manager at Kimberly-Clark Australia (parent group of Kleenex), said he was very supportive of the campaign to help spread awareness of bowel cancer. 'We're incredibly proud to support the team at Bowel Cancer Australia, using our Kleenex loo rolls to help address some of the bathroom blind spots when it comes to bowel cancer symptom awareness,' he said. 'Thousands of Aussies already trust Kleenex in the bathroom — and this crucial initiative transforms the humble loo roll into a bowel cancer awareness game-changer that helps Aussies to break the poo taboo. 'This is a natural step and partnership for Kleenex, and we hope it contributes to driving awareness, particularly as we head into Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June.' Australians are also reminded that not everyone will experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer. Distano told it was time to get past the taboo. 'Check your poo. Be aware that any blood in your poo is not normal,' she said. 'It might just be haemorrhoids, but the only sure-fire way to know is via a colonoscopy. 'And, the bonus is, if it is polyps or early-stage bowel cancer, then it can be stopped in its tracks — early detection is key. 'With low iron, so many woman I know have this and it is never fully investigated. Please push until the cause is found. 'Changes to bowel habit, constipation to diarrhea or vice-versa, an urge to go but unable to, skinny 'ribbon-like' poo, all needs to be investigated.' Those concerned over changes to their poo should consult a GP. Credit: Supplied. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest in Australia. Nearly 15,000 Australians are told every year they have bowel cancer, with just over 5,000 people per year losing their lives to it. Common symptoms can include: Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding Bright red or very dark blood should never be ignored A recent, persistent change in bowel habit such as looser, more diarrhea-like poo, constipation, or going to the toilet more often, or trying to go — irregularity in someone whose bowel habits have previously been regular A change in shape or appearance of your poo For example, narrower poos than usual or mucus in poo Frequent gas pain, cramps A feeling of fullness or bloating in the bowel or rectum Unexplained anaemia A low red blood count causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after going to the toilet Pain or a lump in the anus or rectum Abdominal pain or swelling Those concerned about their health should consult with their medical practitioner. Anyone with symptoms is urged to contact their medical practitioner. Credit: Supplied. New research from PureProfile, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australians on their bathroom habits, also revealed a grim reality. A majority admitted to never looking for any signs of issues, with nearly three-quarters (73.6 per cent) of respondents admitting they aren't checking their poo for possible signs of bowel cancer. Whilst almost half (43.2 per cent) are unable to correctly identify three key bowel cancer symptoms. Two-in-five (38.6 per cent) respondents indicated they were uncomfortable talking about their bowel habit with their family, while more than a quarter (26.8 per cent) are uncomfortable talking about it with their doctor. CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia, Julien Wiggins said the partnership with Kleenex will raise vital awareness for the cancer. 'We are delighted to be partnering with Kleenex for this innovative campaign, raising much-needed awareness around Australia's second-deadliest cancer — bowel cancer,' he said.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Adelaide mum-of-three's message for all Australians as she faces her 50th round of chemotherapy after dismissing bowel cancer symptoms
An Adelaide mother-of-three is calling on all Australians to change the way they go about a daily habit after her own cancer symptoms were dismissed. Paediatric nurse Nina Distano was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in April 2020. Five years on, Distano is still undergoing treatment with plenty of support from her family, her husband Aaron and her three teenagers, Ben 18, Luisa 16 and Gabe 13. When she first became sick, Distano said there were other health issues that masked the start of her symptoms, including low iron from her vegetarian diet and bleeding which she thought was just previous hemorrhoids. 'The cause was put down to a combination of slightly heavier periods leading into menopause as well as a predominantly vegetarian diet.,' she told 'There had been occasional blood on the toilet paper but having had three children, I suffered from hemorrhoids as well as being prone to constipation so between the two, I dismissed that sign. 'Getting closer to diagnosis, I was having abdominal pains and weight loss but between shift work and the stress of working in the health system at that time, my eating pattern was irregular so I could also explain that away. 'It took a lot of blood in the toilet one day to get me back to my GP. This prompted a colonoscopy which led to my diagnosis.' Battling the cancer head on, Distano said her medical team were optimistic about her recovery. But sadly, the cancer returned and is now stage four. 'My best hope now is to keep it under control for as long as possible,' Distano said. 'My ongoing treatment has included two major abdominal surgeries to remove many of my internal organs and I am coming up to my 50th cycle of chemotherapy. The treatment and surgeries have left me with a multitude of health problems including a colostomy bag, surgical menopause and numbness in my hands and feet.' Distano told that she and her husband have tried to keep their life as normal as possible, with difficult conversations likely to come. She said watching other bowel cancer patients, who were also her friends, die from the disease was 'heartbreaking'. 'My husband has had to care for me when I have been recovering from surgery and when I have chemo. My kids have had to see me extremely unwell and in pain and we are constantly trying to keep away from infections,' she said. 'We have had some difficult conversations — but to be honest the worst are probably yet to come. 'I've lost so many friends along the way who I have met through the bowel cancer community and seen them say goodbye to their loved ones way too soon. It is heartbreaking.' Distano is speaking out ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness month in June, which South Australian-made toilet paper brand Kleenex is using to team up with Bowel Cancer Australia to raise awareness about one of Australia's deadliest cancer. Kleenex rolls will now encourage millions of Aussies to break the taboo and 'check their poo' for bowel cancer symptoms. For those who may not know what to look for, has been launched to help educate and raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and encourage people to take action. Distano told she wished she knew what the symptoms were earlier. 'I wish I knew the signs and symptoms. I would've pushed harder earlier if I'd known that what I was experiencing was not normal and that it is not an old man's disease,' she said. Adam Carpenter, a mill manager at Kimberly-Clark Australia (parent group of Kleenex), said he was very supportive of the campaign to help spread awareness of bowel cancer. 'We're incredibly proud to support the team at Bowel Cancer Australia, using our Kleenex loo rolls to help address some of the bathroom blind spots when it comes to bowel cancer symptom awareness,' he said. 'Thousands of Aussies already trust Kleenex in the bathroom — and this crucial initiative transforms the humble loo roll into a bowel cancer awareness game-changer that helps Aussies to break the poo taboo. 'This is a natural step and partnership for Kleenex, and we hope it contributes to driving awareness, particularly as we head into Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June.' Australians are also reminded that not everyone will experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer. Distano told it was time to get past the taboo. 'Check your poo. Be aware that any blood in your poo is not normal,' she said. 'It might just be haemorrhoids, but the only sure-fire way to know is via a colonoscopy. 'And, the bonus is, if it is polyps or early-stage bowel cancer, then it can be stopped in its tracks — early detection is key. 'With low iron, so many woman I know have this and it is never fully investigated. Please push until the cause is found. 'Changes to bowel habit, constipation to diarrhea or vice-versa, an urge to go but unable to, skinny 'ribbon-like' poo, all needs to be investigated.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest in Australia. Nearly 15,000 Australians are told every year they have bowel cancer, with just over 5,000 people per year losing their lives to it. Common symptoms can include: Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding Bright red or very dark blood should never be ignored A recent, persistent change in bowel habit such as looser, more diarrhea-like poo, constipation, or going to the toilet more often, or trying to go — irregularity in someone whose bowel habits have previously been regular A change in shape or appearance of your poo For example, narrower poos than usual or mucus in poo Frequent gas pain, cramps A feeling of fullness or bloating in the bowel or rectum Unexplained anaemia A low red blood count causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after going to the toilet Pain or a lump in the anus or rectum Abdominal pain or swelling Those concerned about their health should consult with their medical practitioner. New research from PureProfile, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australians on their bathroom habits, also revealed a grim reality. A majority admitted to never looking for any signs of issues, with nearly three-quarters (73.6 per cent) of respondents admitting they aren't checking their poo for possible signs of bowel cancer. Whilst almost half (43.2 per cent) are unable to correctly identify three key bowel cancer symptoms. Two-in-five (38.6 per cent) respondents indicated they were uncomfortable talking about their bowel habit with their family, while more than a quarter (26.8 per cent) are uncomfortable talking about it with their doctor. CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia, Julien Wiggins said the partnership with Kleenex will raise vital awareness for the cancer. 'We are delighted to be partnering with Kleenex for this innovative campaign, raising much-needed awareness around Australia's second-deadliest cancer — bowel cancer,' he said.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1: Everything you need to know about the new dominant strain and how our vaccines will hold up
A new COVID-19 variant is drawing global attention due to its rapid spread worldwide. The variant — NB.1.8.1 — is set to become the dominant strain in Australia. However, because it has mutated from known variants, the nation's vaccines are still expected to offer decent protection. NB.1.8.1 is already the dominant strain in Western Australia, according to wastewater surveillance reports. 'It's taking off pretty quickly,' Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told 'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined, but it has some new mutations as well.' These mutations have two key effects. First, the variant appears different enough from previous strains that our immune systems don't immediately recognize it. This means it can evade the immune defences developed through earlier infections or vaccinations, Bennett explained. Second, the mutations improve the variant's ability to bind to receptors in the mucosal linings of the human body. 'It just means if you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it,' Bennett said. 'People just need to be aware of infection where they can, and avoid spreading it where they can — if they've got symptoms, no matter what it is, it's not the time to socialise.' NB.1.8.1 is a descendant from Omicron JN.1 — the same strain targeted by current vaccines. 'It was wise that they invested in vaccines that were trailing along that JN.1 family,' Bennett told 'While the vaccine is not perfectly matched to this sub-variant, there is enough relationship with the JN.1 strain that is in the vaccine, that allows us to still have an effective vaccine.' Perfect storm for a spike in cases This winter marks Australia's fifth with COVID-19 — though the worst impacts occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In recent months, Australians have relaxed their attitudes toward the virus, buoyed by a seasonal reprieve from high infection rates — a reprieve that has also lowered overall immunity. That complacency is one of several factors creating a perfect storm for a surge in cases: winter, waning immunity, immune evasion by the new variant, and its high transmissibility. 'All those things lining up together suggest that we might be in for a bigger winter wave, possibly even than we saw last year,' Bennett said. 'It could be the first time in a year that we see COVID really starting to impact people,' she said. Bennett noted that right now, 'is the first time that people in ICU with COVID-19 has dropped to the level it has.' These ICU rates are the lowest since 2021 — but they are expected to rise again this winter. 'The more we can do to help reduce spreading the virus around, then the better off we'll be,' Bennett said. At the height of the pandemic in Australia, deaths from COVID-19 were ten times higher than those from the flu. 'That's dropped, but it is still five times higher than the flu. So COVID-19 is still to be taken seriously,' Bennett said. 'Not more severe than the last' The World Health Organisation recently evaluated NB.1.8.1 as a 'low risk' variant overall. That classification reflects comparisons with previous, more severe strains, but also considers current levels of population immunity and treatment availability. 'It can still make some people very sick, but it's not more severe than the last strains we've seen,' Bennett said. 'The other thing the World Health Organisation looks at, is whether the treatments we have still work, that our testing measures still work, that all of that is still okay — and it is,' she said. 'Actually having a booster shot at the start of a wave gives you the best coverage you can have through those next six to eight weeks, which is how long a wave will take.' She urged people over 65 to review their vaccination status, and reminded adults over 18 that they remain eligible for boosters. 'It pays to think about whether you've had an infection, and whether actually a booster might not be a bad thing at this stage.'
7NEWS
5 days ago
- 7NEWS
Stacy Jane survives domestic violence to help other women fleeing abuse with Escabags idea
Stacy Jane spent three-and-a-half years trapped in a violent relationship — monitored, controlled, and living in fear. Her texts were constantly watched, bank transactions tracked, her car bugged, even household objects turned into recording devices. Despite knowing it was wrong, she felt she couldn't leave. 'He made my world very, very small, there was no way I could just leave,' Jane told 'The worse he treated me, the more I needed him to make me feel better.' It wasn't until she was on a cruise around New Zealand that things began to change after an Australian family on the same ship sensed something was wrong. After she was violently attacked again, they invited her to stay with them for the rest of the trip. When the cruise ended, Jane returned to the UK and tried to escape the relationship for good. But he tracked her down again. Out of options and terrified, Jane called that same family, and they simply replied: 'Come home, bub.' That's how Jane's journey led her to Australia, where everything began to change. Now, the 36-year-old is the founder and CEO of Escabags, a charity that provides women experiencing domestic violence with 'Escape Bags' to help them flee better prepared — something Jane wishes she had when she escaped, as it could have made her journey safer. 'I had to go back in to try and get some of my things, and it was at that point I nearly lost my life,' she recalled. 'If I'd had an escape bag, I wouldn't have had to be inside his home at that point. 'Had he had his hands around my neck a little bit longer, I wouldn't have survived.' Drawing from her own experience, the Escape Bags contain essential items such as toiletries, period products, a mini first aid kit, shampoo, a face cloth, and a personal safety alarm. For those fleeing with children, the bags also include nappies and comfort items like a teddy bear. Each bag also contains a new SIM card, provided in partnership with Optus, to allow safe and untraceable communication. The bags are designed to be grabbed quickly when victims leave, so they don't have to return to collect essentials. The free Escape Bags are available from participating Optus retail stores across Australia. Anyone, whether or not they are an Optus customer, can walk in and ask for an Escape Bag with no questions asked. Since launching in 2020, Escabags has distributed more than 18,000 bags across Australia, supported by over 2000 stockists. According to a 2024 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in four Australian women has experienced domestic violence from a partner. Jane said demand for Escape Bags has surged since the end of Covid, with more than 400 bags now delivered across the country each week. With the first State of Origin kicking off, and a 2018 NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research revealing domestic violence rates jumped 40 per cent when the game is on, her business is more important than ever. Despite being diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), Jane said her story was a powerful reminder of the impact kindness from strangers can have. 'Now, the only thing I've ever wanted to do in Australia is keep other people safe — just like this country kept me safe when I was in that dangerous situation,' she said.
