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In a recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. Blood and urine samples were collected and tested for biomarkers of various chronic diseases, nutrient levels, and 11 types of PFAS.

It was found that over 85% of the data collected, three types of PFAS were present in people aged 12 over. The data creates a baseline of PFAS levels in Australians, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause.

PFAS chemicals are easier to detect, even in smaller amounts, as they have a special chemical structure (containing multiple carbon-fluorine bonds) shares to the . Dr Shearer is an EI member and Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of ���˲�Ʊ.

Despite 85% of Australian’s having PFAS in their blood, the levels are much lower than other man-made chemicals as PFAS is detected more easily Dr Shearer says.

“The different types of PFAS listed may be confusing. In general, the toxicity of PFAS is likely to be related to the size of the molecule. It is probably more useful for the public to be aware of the total amount of ‘long-chain PFAS’ present in their blood, rather than the amount of some specific chemicals.” Adds Dr Shearer.

Dr Shearer expresses the main way people are exposed to PFAS is due to accidentally eating them. This can occur from food packaging with fluorinated chemicals (recommending companies should stop using), scratched Teflon pans that should be discarded, and not washing your hands properly as soap helps remove PFAS. Drinking water is a smaller risk, however if you are concerned Dr Shearer recommends using a carbon filter to help remove the PFAS.

Read the media release for ‘