PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refer to a large group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals used in various everyday products. They’re often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t easily break down in the environment or the human body. Instead, they build up over time, making them difficult to eliminate and causing long-term exposure concerns for both people and ecosystems.

PFAS can be present in a wide range of everyday products, including certain food packaging, non-stick cookware and stain-resistant treatments used on carpets, furniture and clothing. In some parts of Australia, specific sites have experienced significant PFAS contamination, resulting in higher levels found in surrounding soil, water and local produce. For people living in these areas, the most common source of exposure is through drinking water drawn from contaminated groundwater or eating food grown with that water.

Both public water supplies and private sources, such as household wells, can be affected when PFAS enter drinking water systems through fluorochemical manufacturing, the use of firefighting foams or waste liquids from landfills.

Research in peer reviewed articles referenced in the National Library of Medicine has found connections between human populations and certain PFAS substances and a range of health concerns, including: altered immune function, thyroid issues, liver disease, kidney disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, disrupted cholesterol and insulin levels, reproductive and developmental problems and cancer.

Health risks linked to PFAS exposure can vary depending on factors such as how much a person is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts and individual characteristics like age, health status and genetics.

PFAS have no smell, taste or colour, so you can’t tell if they’re in your water just by looking at it or drinking it. The only way to know for sure is through professional water testing.

In Australia, areas near former industrial sites, military bases and firefighting training grounds are known to have higher risks of PFAS contamination, as these chemicals have leached into surrounding groundwater. PFAS have also been found in surface water reservoirs, often spread through airborne particles and rainfall.

If you’re concerned about potential exposure, especially if you live near one of these areas, be sure to have your water tested by a certified laboratory or check with local health authorities for any known risks.

Yes, these chemicals can be eliminated using specialised PFAS water filter systems. One of the most reliable methods is reverse osmosis, which pushes water through a fine membrane to filter out and remove contaminants, including PFAS.