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7NEWS
3 days 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.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Low levels of PFAS detected in water system serving Central Maui
COURTESY DOH COURTESY DOH The Hawaii Department of Health said low levels of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals, ' were detected in water samples collected from a system that serves a portion of Central Maui. Samples collected from Conolidated Baseyards water system wells were found to contain low levels of Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS ). The detections were sporadic, with concentrations ranging from none to 2.2 nanograms per liter. The positive samples were collected on July 11, 2023, when 2.0 nanograms per liter were detected, and again on March 24 of this year, when 2.2 nanograms per liter were detected. No detections of PFHxS were found on Oct. 5, 2023, and on April 21 of this year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level for PFHxS is 10 nanograms per liter. PFAS, short for or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used since the 1940s in consumer products such as food packaging, carpets, cookware and other items designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or nonstick. They are also a component of firefighting foam, and have many industrial uses. DOH issued the press release in accordance with state law. See more : 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EPA weakens drinking water standards with latest repeal on regulations: 'This isn't a win for American public health'
The Environmental Protection Agency announced another regulatory repeal on Wednesday, this time targeting drinking water protections implemented last year. In April 2024, the Biden administration announced a "first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard" aimed at limiting Americans' exposure to PFAS, which are also known as "forever chemicals." In a press release issued at the time, the EPA said the "science is clear" on serious health risks posed by PFAS. The EPA stated that, as written, the rule limiting PFAS contamination in drinking water would "reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses." On Nov. 14, the EPA issued a second press release, detailing massive investments to address PFAS contamination in drinking water and the "unprecedented progress" achieved in the first few months during which the rule was in effect. On Wednesday, The Washington Post was first to report the latest development — President Donald Trump's administration disclosed new "plans to rescind and reconsider limits on four 'forever chemicals,'" just over a year after those limits were implemented. The outlet indicated the EPA planned to strike specific "regulations covering PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and PFBS," with no plans to issue any replacement rules until spring 2026. North Carolina resident Emily Donovan lives in a part of the state impacted by GenX-contaminated water, and she spoke to the Post about the EPA's reversal on "forever chemicals." Donovan said the EPA's decision to "rescind and reconsider GenX" represented a "victory for chemical companies" forced to act under the previous rule. "This isn't a win for American public health," she said of the plan. The EPA will keep standards set in the 2024 rule for two common types of PFAS, known as PFOA and PFOS, at 4 parts per trillion, which the Associated Press called "effectively the lowest level at which they can be reliably detected." That said, the EPA decided to give companies until 2031 to meet the new standards, instead of the previous administration's 2029 target. In discussions with oil companies on the campaign trail in May 2024, Trump "vowed to reverse dozens" of Biden-era climate policies in exchange for a $1 billion commitment to his re-election campaign. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In March, new EPA chief Lee Zeldin moved to seize a staggering $20 billion in funds appropriated by Congress to support clean energy projects. Around the same time, Trump claimed he instructed Zeldin to begin scaling back efficiency standards on household appliances like showers, toilets, and LED light bulbs. Our regulatory framework as it pertains to the environment is a patchwork of federal and state laws protecting Americans from contaminated water, dirty energy, and irresponsible corporate stewardship. As Trump's campaign pledge to oil companies illustrates, corporations can be far too willing to dispense with environmental regulations if they deem cleaning up after themselves too burdensome — which is precisely why such rules are imperative for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the Post pointed out, 190 bills were introduced in 35 states in 2025, aimed at combating PFAS contamination at the state and local level as well, so the effort to combat the problem is not limited to the federal level. While it's not an immediate solution for the pressing issue of clean water, voting for pro-environment candidates and policies is one of the best ways to ensure crucial environmental regulations are less likely to be rescinded. It also helps to stay connected through newsletters like TCD's and the Vital Signs newsletter from the Environmental Defense Fund. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
EPA to rollback 'forever chemical' rule, extend timelines
Washington: The EPA will rescind much of the Biden administration's first nationwide drinking water standard aimed at protecting people from toxic " forever chemicals " known as PFAS found in many household items, but will maintain current limits on two of these chemicals, it announced on Wednesday. Dubbed "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the human body or environment, PFAS are found in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including non-stick pans, cosmetics, firefighting foams and stain-resistant clothing. The rule finalized last year by the EPA under the Biden administration had set limits for five individual PFAS chemicals: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. It gave all public water systems three years to complete monitoring for these chemicals and required them to inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. In cases where PFAS chemicals are found at levels that exceed the standards, the water systems were required to install systems to reduce PFAS in their drinking water by 2029. Under the new proposal under President Donald Trump, the EPA would allow drinking water systems more time to develop plans for addressing PFOA and PFOS and extend the compliance date for those two PFAS chemicals to 2031. It would also rescind the regulations and reconsider the regulatory determinations for the other three PFAS chemicals. EPA plans to issue a proposed rule this fall and finalize it by spring 2026. "This will support water systems across the country, including small systems in rural communities, as they work to address these contaminants," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement. "EPA will also continue to use its regulatory and enforcement tools to hold polluters accountable." Separately, the state of New Jersey on Tuesday announced what it called the largest statewide PFAS settlement of $450 million in the state's history with chemicals producer 3M. The EPA also announced on Wednesday it will launch a campaign called PFAS OUT to connect with every public water utility known to need capital improvements to address PFAS in their system.
The Hill
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Trump narrows, delays ‘forever chemical' rule
The Big Story The Environmental Protection Agency is narrowing and delaying its drinking water regulations for toxic 'forever chemicals.' © Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Associated Press file Exposure to these chemicals, also known as PFAS, has been linked to health issues including cancer, kidney and thyroid issues, weakened immune systems and fertility issues. In 2024, the Biden administration set the first-ever limits on six types of PFAS. It said at the time that its action would reduce exposure to PFAS for about 100 million people, preventing 9,600 deaths and nearly 30,000 illnesses in the coming decades. The Trump administration announced on Wednesday it will 'rescind and reconsider' filtration requirements for four of those six PFAS. For the two PFAS that will still need to be filtered out, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying the requirements to do so by two years. Now, public water systems with just two types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — will be required to filter out those chemicals by 2031. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the changes as 'common-sense flexibility.' Other types of PFAS — those known as GenX, PFBS, PFHxS and PFNA, — will be newly rescinded from the rule. Asked about the changes to the rule during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Zeldin indicated the agency may not ultimately exclude those four substances. 'There was an issue as it relates to the four other chemicals, and that's something that we are going to be going through a process, but that doesn't mean that it gets weaker.' Environmental activists recoiled at the changes announced by the EPA, including Emily Donovan, whose North Carolina community has faced GenX contamination. 'This current administration promised voters it would 'Make America Healthy Again' but rescinding part of the PFAS drinking water standards does no such thing,' Donovan said. Read more at Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: House panel advances tax portion of Trump agenda bill after marathon meeting The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a slew of President Trump's top tax priorities Wednesday morning, setting the stage for a high-stakes sprint to get the provisions through the GOP's razor-thin majority. NOAA seeks to reassign employees to fill 'critically understaffed' weather service offices The Trump administration is seeking to reassign other employees to 'critically understaffed' offices in the National Weather Service (NWS), according to an internal document. Senate approves Trump No. 2 picks for Energy, Interior The Senate has approved President Trump's picks for the No. 2 positions at the Energy and Interior departments. In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: 3M to pay New Jersey up to $450M in landmark 'forever chemical' settlement 3M will pay the state of New Jersey up to $450 million over the next 25 years, resolving claims regarding widespread contamination from 'forever chemicals.' State Attorney General Matthew Platkin and … What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Trump Administration to Fast-Track Permits for Utah Uranium Mine (The New York Times) Texas is feeling an early heat wave. It's a sign of a long, hot summer to come (CNN) On Tap Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: What Others are Reading Two key stories on The Hill right now: Republicans advance bill with steep cuts to Medicaid as part of Trump agenda Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced legislation Wednesday afternoon containing cuts to Medicaid and health care provisions — some of the most controversial and contentious provisions that will be included in the 'big, beautiful bill' of President Trump's ambitious legislative agenda. Read more GOP civil war breaks out over Medicaid as right calls for deeper cuts Fiscal hawks are lashing out over what they say are the lack of Medicaid reforms in President Trump's legislative package, which could thwart the House GOP's goal of passing the legislation next week. Read more You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
