Health professionals
What is the PFAS Health Study?
The PFAS Health Study is investigating the exposure levels and potential health effects of PFAS in three towns that have high levels of PFAS contamination of the environment—Oakey (Qld), Williamtown (NSW) and Katherine (NT). To find out if the health of these communities has been affected by PFAS, we will compare the results with information from people who live in similar towns that do not have high levels of PFAS in the environment— Dalby (QLD), Kiama and Shellharbour (NSW), and Alice Springs (NT). Each of these comparison towns is matched to an exposed town based on socioeconomic factors, such as income, employment and education levels, and the remoteness of the area. Participants of the study will be asked to complete a survey and provide a blood serum sample for testing PFAS levels and a range of biomarkers.
Limitations of PFAS blood testing
Blood testing for PFAS currently has no diagnostic or prognostic value for individuals and cannot be used to guide clinical management. This means that a blood test cannot determine if PFAS levels in a person’s blood will make them sick now or later in life, or if any current health problems are related to the PFAS levels found in their blood. There are no ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ ranges and most Australians are expected to have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood due to the widespread use of this chemical in a range of applications and products. The value of blood testing is limited to assessing exposure at the population level. A blood test can measure the level of PFAS in a person’s blood and can tell a person how their blood levels compare with the levels seen in the general Australian population.
Health effects
While PFAS can persist in humans, animals and the environment, currently there is limited evidence of significant impacts on human health from exposure to PFAS chemicals. The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) issued revised guidance statements in 2019 to reflect the most current evidence relating to PFAS, including that PFAS exposure has been associated with mildly elevated levels of cholesterol, effects on kidney function and effects on the levels of some hormones. However, these effects are small and generally within ranges seen in the general population.
Avoiding PFAS exposure as a part of the precautionary principle
As a precaution, governments in Australia recommend that exposure to PFAS be minimised wherever possible while further research is undertaken on the potential health effects of PFAS exposure.
Information for GPs in Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine
Study participants in Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine have previously had a blood test for PFAS levels through the Australian Government Voluntary Blood Testing Program (VBTP) and have received their results during a post-test GP consultation. We have invited these participants to complete a survey about their health and wellbeing and potential exposure to PFAS. We have also sought permission to test their stored blood serum for biomarkers to better understand how PFAS levels influence specific biochemicals such as, blood lipids, and markers of liver, kidney and thyroid function.
This testing will be undertaken in early 2021 and results will be sent directly to participants. If participants consent, we will also send a copy of their results to their GP, for their records. If the participant’s results are outside the laboratory reference ranges we will recommend that they follow-up with their GP.
It is important to note that the blood serum samples being tested will be between 18 months and 4 years old.
Information for GPs in Alice Springs, Dalby, Kiama and Shellharbour
Residents will be randomly selected, through Services Australia, to participate in the study. In mid-2020 they will be invited to complete a survey about their health and wellbeing and potential exposure to PFAS and have a blood test for PFAS serum levels and a range of biomarkers.
Participants will be directed to a local pathology collection centre to have their blood taken. They are not required to consult with their GP prior to the test.
Blood serum samples will be stored until the end of the study period, before being tested in early 2021. Results of the tests will be sent directly to participants in early to mid-2021. If participants provide written consent at the time of blood collection, we will also send a copy of their results to their GP, for their records. If a participant’s biomarker results are outside of the laboratory reference ranges, we will recommend that they follow-up with their GP.
Further advice for GPs
While participants in the PFAS health study from comparison areas will not be required to see their GP, we understand that some individuals may wish to discuss their potential participation in the PFAS study or their results with their GP.
Similarly while participants of the PFAS health study from the Investigation areas had their blood specimens taken some time ago, they may return to their GP for further consultation following the receipt of their results from their additional biomarker tests completed as part of the study.
The following additional advice may assist GPs: