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Australia Proposes Stricter PFAS Chemical Limits in Drinking Water

AgriTech Chemicals and Fertilizers

Business Honor
21 October, 2024

Australia aims to tighten PFAS limits in drinking water, addressing cancer and thyroid health concerns.

Australia is considering stricter limits for the levels of PFAS chemicals allowed in drinking water, with the National Health and Medical Research Council publishing draft guidelines to lower limits for four key PFAS substances. The chemicals, collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and are difficult to break down. PFAS exposure has gained much attention due to potential health risks, for example, cancer and thyroid conditions, through drinking water.

The NHMRC would recommend lowering the permissible level for PFOA-a chemical used in Teflon from 560 ng/L to 200 ng/L, based on its association with cancer. For PFOS, which had previously been a common additive in Scotchgard, this would be lowered from 70 ng/L to 4 ng/L, consistent with emerging evidence of potential impacts on bone marrow. Further, the draft sets limits on two other PFAS chemicals, PFHxS and PFBS, at 30 ng/L and 1000 ng/L, respectively, to address thyroid-related health issues.

The chief executive of the NHMRC, Prof Steve Wesselingh explained that these new limits were based on animal studies because human studies are not yet at a level to determine decision-making. He further indicated that Australia's approach differs from the U.S. that aims to eliminate carcinogenic compounds totally whereas Australia follows a "threshold model," believing risks to be minimal if levels fall below the set thresholds.

Despite these updates, experts assure the public that PFAS contamination in Australian drinking water is still at a minimum. According to Dr. Daniel Deere, a water and health consultant, Australians need not worry about PFAS in public drinking water unless the authorities specifically notify them about it. Public consultation on the draft guidelines is open until November 22, allowing Australians to provide feedback on the proposed changes to ensure safer drinking water standards.