PFAS - the forever global contamination

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PFAS leaching and contamination remains the most extraordinary environmental event across the entire planet. PFAS substances comprise a group of over 4,000 chemicals and are found in a range of applications such as:

• Water and stain protection for carpets, fabric, furniture and apparel
• Paper coating (including a range of food packaging)
• Metal plating
• Photographic materials
• Aviation hydraulic fluid
• Cosmetics and sunscreen
• Medical devices
• Ingredients in fire-fighting foam (a particular substance of impact in Australia)

PFAS chemicals are effective in resisting heat, stains, grease and are film forming in water. As a result they are called 'forever chemicals" and  have permeated across the planet and largely into the biology of most human beings. The chemicals are known to be carcinogenic but the overall level of exposure and the length of time required to be fully toxic has yet to be determined. In some towns and villages where contamination has been substantial, the health effects are already apparent. 

As knowledge and information has come to light with growing public awareness, consumer products such as kitchenware with labelling stating "non PFAS" have increasingly become available.

For further information click here: Australian Government PFAS website