What Are PFAS? A Complete Beginner’s Guide for Australian

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have recently emerged as an important issue in environmental health issues, particularly in regards to the safety of drinking water in Australia.

PFAS refer to a man-made compounds that are widely applied in industrial and consumer goods because of their resistant characteristics to both water and grease.

Although PFAS have played important roles in industries and in the manufacture of consumer goods such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, these compounds have since come to be identified as persistent environmental pollutants.

In this article, we will discuss what PFAs are, why they are so concerning to Australians, how they get into the water, and useful strategies to reduce this contaminant for cleaner and more safe water.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals, including PFOA , PFOS, PFHxS, and many other compounds. These compounds are stable due to carbon-fluorine bonds, thereby having the ability to resist heat, water, and oil.

Although these compounds make useful consumer goods due to such properties, they can easily persist in the environment because they are stable.

“Forever chemicals” or PFAS compounds persist in soil, water, and the human body. These compounds build up in the long run, causing long-lasting environmental and health issues.

In Australia, the source of PFAS contaminants mostly includes:

An important source of these compounds comes from the firefighting foam known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that has been widely employed in firefighting exercises and operations. These can be found in military bases, airports, or any industrial setup.

Manufacturing plants that use PFAS in non-stick coatings, water-repelling fabrics, and other industrial applications can emit these substances into neighboring water sources.

Inappropriate disposal of goods like treated fabrics and food packaging that contain PFAS can result in groundwater contamination.

PFAS can easily be found in runoff from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, or runoff from stormwater from urban areas.

It has been found in NHMRC research that PFAS can appear in water supplies in Australia, especially in rural Australia around industrial locations, airports, or firefighting range facilities. The fact that it can persist in soil and water makes it difficult to remove.

Scientific studies have identified several adverse health impacts associated with PFAS exposure. Although government agencies such as the Australian Department of Health are conducting research to understand long-term exposure impacts, there are associations with the following:

Immune System Suppression : Exposure to PFAS can weaken the immune function of the body, reducing the effectiveness of vaccines and susceptible to infections.

Hormonal Disruption: Certain PFAS compounds have hormonal-disrupting capabilities that could affect thyroid hormone balance and reproductive function.

Developmental Issues: High exposure during pregnancy has been shown to cause delays in development, including low birth weight and imbalances in hormone.

Cancer Risk: Specific PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS have shown associations with increased cancer risk in the kidneys and testicles.

Cholesterol and Liver Problems: PFAS can affect lipid metabolism; therefore, they can cause high cholesterol and liver enzyme issues.

Although low in drinking water, the contaminants can accumulate in the body due to prolonged exposure. It therefore becomes important to take proactive steps, especially when using water from local sources.

To deal with exposure, the first step would be to test your water for PFAS. Here is a more detailed guide on how to detect PFAS in your home water supply:

The most accurate method of detecting PFAS is through NATA-accredited laboratory testing.

These labs use advanced analytical methods such as liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which can detect PFAS at extremely low concentrations — even in parts per trillion (ppt) range.

In many parts of Australia, state and territory governments provide updates on PFAS monitoring in public water systems. Depending on the region, you may be able to access:

• Annual drinking water quality reports from your local water authority
• PFAS investigation maps and updates , especially in areas with known contamination
• Community consultation notices published by environmental or health agencies
• Guidelines and health advice published by state departments such as NSW Health or QLD Health

Regular testing can help you determine your level of risk and make appropriate decisions regarding water treatment options.

One of the most efficient means of preventing exposure to PFAS in homes is through the use of high-quality water filtration systems, especially RO Water filtration systems . They are specifically designed to remove PFAS.

Many Australian families choose the Waterdrop brand as their water safety guard. Waterdrop X8 reverse osmosis systems use a 9-stage precision filtration process.

It effectively reduces TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and other impurities, ensuring clean, healthy water. It’s also NSF/ANSI 42, 58, and 372 certified for top-tier safety and quality.

To address mounting concerns, Australian agencies have developed standards regarding PFAS in drinking water. Health-based guided values regarding PFAS in drinking water are established by the Australian Department of Health and include the following:

• PFOS : 0.07 µg/L (micrograms per litre)
• PFOA : 0.56 µg/L

These are considered concentrations that would not likely result in any adverse health implications when exposure spanned an entire lifetime. But concentrations in water in contaminated areas can go beyond these standards, and thus the need to filter and test.

The National PFAS Management Plan has further outlined how the monitoring, cleanup, and risk communication can be accomplished in order to mitigate exposure to these compounds.

Along with the use of advanced water filters, Australians can follow other precautions in order to keep PFAS exposure at low levels:

1. Choose PFAS-Free Products: Don't buy non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, or some food packaging from restaurants that contain PFAS.

2. Be Mindful of Food Sources: One needs to understand that PFAS compounds can accumulate in fish and meat from contaminated areas.

3. Check Local Water Reports: Be aware of the level of PFAS in your area, especially when you reside close to airports, military facilities, or industries.

4. Utilize Certified Water Filtration Systems: Use certified water filtration systems such as Waterdrop X12 RO system to filter out PFAS contaminants from water.

The issue of PFAS in Australia's water is significant but can be effectively managed. It can start with understanding the nature of PFAS, identifying sources of the contaminants in the water, and taking personal initiatives to test the water or filter it using high-quality filters such as Waterdrop .

By staying informed, making conscious choices about products and water sources, and using advanced filtration, Australians can enjoy clean, safe drinking water while minimizing the impact of “forever chemicals.”

These compounds are mainly found in firefighting foam, industrial settings, and in landfills. These compounds can seep into waterways through stormwater runoff, leachates from landfills, or wastewater treatment plants. Military bases, airports, and industries are main sources of these compounds.

Water can be tested through certified laboratories that can detect PFAS at very low concentrations, such as parts per trillion. Local councils may provide testing guidance, especially in regions near known contamination sites.

Yes. Waterdrop filters come equipped with multi-stage filtration, such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters, that can remove PFAS effectively. They are convenient to maintain and offer pure water from the tap.

Prolonged exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of disruption of hormonal function, immune suppression, developmentally related issues, increased blood levels of cholesterol, liver disease, and cancer. Try to reduce exposures, especially in tap water, can help prevent these issues.