At least three types of ‘forever chemicals’ were detected in the blood of more than 85% of Australians, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
These chemicals – Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – are man-made, and are used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water.
The findings come from the National Health Measures Survey, which tested blood and urine samples of Australians over 12-years-old for 11 of the most common PFAS chemicals.
Here’s what the research found.
What are 'forever chemicals'?
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances have been used in household products since the 1950s, including non-stick pans, cookware, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foams, and grease-resistant packaging.
They’re often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. Once humans are exposed, PFAS can remain in the body indefinitely.
The long-term health effects of PFAS exposure are still not fully understood, prompting countries like Australia to reduce their use across a range of industries.
Detection
The newly released data marks the first time Australia’s exposure to forever chemicals has been measured on a large scale.
Voluntary blood and urine samples from around 7,500 eligible Australians across the country were collected between January 2022 and April 2024.
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PFOS and PFOA were the two most commonly detected substances, showing up in over 95% of participants.
Men and people aged over 75 were most likely to have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
The ABS said that even though some test results did not show a detection of PFAS in the blood, “everyone has had some level of exposure to PFAS.”
Instead, the levels were too low to be “accurately measured.”
ABS head of health statistics James Eynstone-Hinkins said the data will help “create a national baseline” for PFAS levels in the general population.
“The dataset will enable future monitoring and support further research into PFAS and the potential impacts of these chemicals on human health,” Eynstone-Hinkins said.
Senate Inquiry
A Senate Inquiry is currently investigating the “extent, regulation and management of PFAS” in Australia.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, who leads the inquiry, has described PFAS as “the asbestos of the 21st century”.
Scientists have linked PFAS exposure to liver damage, kidney disease, type II diabetes, and some cancers.
The inquiry is expected to hand down its final report in August.
