More than 85 percent of all Australians have at least three types of PFAS in their system, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releasing statistics for the first time.
ABS Head of Health Statistics James Eynstone-Hinkins said the data looked at 11 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic materials used in consumer products since the 1950s, also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily.
Mr Eynstone-Hinkins said PFAS were tested for in people aged 12 years and over in the National Health Measures Survey.
He said three types of PFAS were detected in the blood of over 85 percent of the population, while six types were detected in less than 10 percent of people and the remaining two types of PFAS had detection rates between 15 percent and 45 percent.
“This data will help to create a national baseline for levels of PFAS in the Australian population (and) enable future monitoring and support further research into PFAS and the potential impacts of these chemicals on human health.”
Mr Eynstone-Hinkins said PFAS levels varied, but in general, people who were older had higher PFAS levels.
“This was in line with expectations as there have been changes in the population’s exposure to PFAS over time.
“PFAS levels were also generally higher for males than for females.”
He said the levels for the three most prevalent PFAS analysed (PFOS. PFHxS, PFOA) were lower in Australia than those reported from previous studies in the United States, Canada and Europe.
“The timeframe for each of these studies varied, potentially impacting the comparability of recorded PFAS levels.”
