PFAS Health Study

The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Health Study investigated the exposure levels and potential health effects of PFAS in areas of known contamination in the communities of Williamtown in New South Wales, Oakey in Queensland, and Katherine in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Areas in Williamtown, Oakey, and Katherine have been contaminated with PFAS due to firefighting activities on nearby Defence Force bases. Members of these communities have been potentially exposed to PFAS primarily through the use of contaminated water including bore and river water on their properties, and via eating locally grown foods.

What are PFAS?

PFAS chemicals are very resistant to heat and to degradation in the environment, and they persist for quite long periods in the human body. They have been manufactured since the 1950s and used in a variety of consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water-proof clothing, and fabric stain protection. PFAS were also an ingredient in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used for firefighting activities.

PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) were the two most commonly used PFAS chemicals. These two PFAS are no longer used in AFFF, however the chemicals that have previously been used for firefighting activities can remain in ground water, sediment and soil in the areas surrounding their use. AFFF containing PFAS chemicals have been used in Australia for firefighting capacities since the 1970’s, including on Defence Force bases.

The PFAS Health Study was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health.