Over 85% of Australians Have ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Their Blood, New Study Reveals
In a startling revelation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that more than 85% of Australians have detectable levels of “forever chemicals” in their blood. These chemicals, officially known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body.
The ABS tested blood samples from individuals aged 12 and over as part of the National Health Measures Survey. Of the 11 types of PFAS tested, three were found in over 85% of participants, highlighting widespread exposure across the population.
PFAS are a group of over 4,000 man-made chemicals used in various industries worldwide. They are commonly found in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, textiles, and food packaging. Due to their strong chemical bonds, PFAS do not break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
The study detected perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in the blood of 99.1% of Australian males and 98.3% of females. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found in 98.1% of males and 94% of females. Alarmingly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic in 2023.
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) was also prevalent, present in 93.6% of males and 82.8% of females tested. Two additional PFAS compounds were detected in 15–45% of participants, while the remaining six were found in less than 10%.
James Eynstone-Hinkins, head of health statistics at the ABS, noted that PFAS levels were generally higher in older individuals and higher in males than females. “This data helps create a national baseline for PFAS levels in the Australian population,” he said. “It will enable future monitoring and support further research into the impacts of these chemicals on human health.”
The widespread presence of PFAS in the population raises concerns about potential health risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers. The findings underscore the need for continued research and potential policy actions to address PFAS contamination.
