The dangers of “forever chemicals” will be investigated by the Australian parliament in a national inquiry. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the presence of these substances in Sydney’s drinking water. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe compared these chemicals to asbestos, stating that they are more widespread and less understood. Forever chemicals, also known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to cancer, making their presence in water a cause for alarm.
The term “forever chemicals” refers to a broad group of chemical compounds that are used in everyday products for their water and stain-resistant properties. The definition of these chemicals has evolved over time, with different groups of substances being referred to as “forever chemicals” in different contexts. Current analytical methods can only detect a small proportion of the whole PFAS universe, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the most well-known.
It is important to differentiate between background contamination and local contamination when assessing the risks of PFAS in drinking water. Local contamination is often confined to specific areas and has higher concentrations of contaminants, while background contamination is related to everyday exposure to products containing PFAS. The risks associated with PFAS exposure are still uncertain, although PFOA has been classified as carcinogenic and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic.
Forever chemicals pose a looming threat to our future due to their inability to break down and degrade. They can accumulate in our bodies and the environment, persisting indefinitely. Recent studies have found high levels of PFAS in the livers of deceased platypus, highlighting the widespread presence of these chemicals.
While the federal government plans to ban some prominent PFAS chemicals from July 2025, the challenge of dealing with the existing presence of these chemicals remains. Even if we switch to bottled water, we may still be exposed to PFAS, as it can be present in bottled water and everyday items such as non-stick pans and waterproof jackets. It is important to expand our focus beyond drinking water and consider the broader impact of these chemicals on our daily lives. It is time to explore alternatives to PFAS and make more responsible choices that contribute to a sustainable society.
