Phase I - Systematic Literature Review 

Scientific studies have investigated a range of possible health outcomes resulting from exposure to PFAS. During Phase I we conducted a systematic review to examine the evidence on the human health effects related to PFAS exposure reported in scientific literature. A systematic review assesses the current evidence for a research question using specific methods to collect and evaluate research studies.

Phase I - Study Protocols for Phase II 

The PFAS Health Study aims to investigate the exposure levels and potential health effects of PFAS in areas of known contamination in the communities of Williamtown, Oakey, and Katherine, Australia. During Phase I we developed the study protocols for the PFAS Health Study Phase II epidemiological study.

Phase II – Focus Groups Study 

The first component of Phase II of the PFAS Health Study was a series of focus group discussions in Oakey, Williamtown, and Katherine between January and August 2018. The main aim of this study was to understand participants’ views and experiences of PFAS contamination in their local area, with a focus on participants’ health concerns. Focus group discussions facilitate discussion of public knowledge, underlying attitudes, perceptions and opinions and are well suited to exploring a range of views on community topics.

The findings from the Focus Groups Study are available on the Reports page.

Phase II – Cross-sectional Survey and Blood Serum Study

The PFAS Health Study tested blood specimens of people living or working in an area contaminated with PFAS and compared them to people not living in those areas. The Study also conducted a survey of these same people to understand the blood test results, along with health effects and other concerns.

People who had their blood collected through the Australian Government Department of Health Voluntary Blood Testing Program for PFAS and agreed to participate in the ANU-led study were invited to particpate in October 2019. Participants were be able to complete a paper copy of the survey and mail it to the study team, or complete it online. 

The study began in November 2016 with the Voluntary Blood Testing for PFAS. 

The findings from the Cross-sectional Survey and Blood Serum Study are available on the Reports page.

Cross-sectional Survey and Blood Serum Study Research Protocol (1MB PDF) Cross-sectional Survey and Blood Serum Study Summary (345KB PDF) 

Read more about Voluntary blood testing for PFAS on the Department of Health website.

Phase II – Data Linkage Study 

The data linkage study will examine whether adverse health outcomes potentially linked with PFAS exposure are more common among people who have lived in areas contaminated with PFAS compared to those who have never lived in those areas. Data linkage brings together information about individuals across multiple datasets. Researchers only have access to these data after identifying details have been removed. 

The study will use routinely-collected data. Routinely-collected data are data collected for purposes other than research, such as information collected by hospitals or for Government services. 

The findings from the Data Linkage Study are available on the Reports tab.