"Forever Chemicals": What Scientists Want You to Know (And What You Can Do About It)
You may have heard the term PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “forever chemicals”—thrown around like a buzzword in health or environmental discussions. But what are they, and how worried should you be? ABC’s recent live Q&A with PFAS experts sheds light on the real risks—and practical steps to manage them.
What Exactly Are PFAS?
PFAS are a family of synthetic compounds used for decades in everyday products—from non-stick cookware and waterproof apparel to food packaging and firefighting foam. Their defining feature? They resist heat, oil, water, and—critically—breakdown.
These durable carbon-fluorine bonds mean PFAS linger in the environment and our bodies for years, earning them the “forever chemical” moniker. They’ve been detected in rainwater, soil, even tap water—globally—and in nearly 85% of Australians’ blood, carrying at least three PFAS types
So How Risky Are They, Really?
Here’s where it gets complicated. Australia’s NSW Health Expert Advisory Panel, drawing on global studies, concluded that public fear has outpaced scientific certainty. They found the health risks from everyday PFAS exposure to be small or inconclusive—and importantly, recommended that blood testing for PFAS offers no clinical benefit and can even cause unnecessary anxiety.
This cautious stance echoes a broader theme: when evidence is murky, transparency and measured risk communication matter more than alarmism.
But New Science Is Changing the Game
Just days ago, a groundbreaking study revealed that PFAS exposure can alter gene activity—impacting pathways linked to cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological issues, and more
While causation isn't proven, the precise epigenetic effects raise important new questions—and new urgency.
On the solutions front, two promising innovations emerged recently:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) + Heat – Researchers at Missouri found that PFAS can be degraded by heating them with common carbon filters or the technically superior UltraStream
- Light-Activated Chemical Breakdown – A novel method using photocatalytic materials and light has achieved up to 99% PFAS breakdown, pointing toward scalable water purification systems.
- PFAS exposure is nearly universal, but current data suggests moderate—not catastrophic—risk for most people.
- Blood testing may do more harm than good, at least on its own.
- PFAS can alter gene activity—a worrying but scientifically intriguing development.
- New filtration and degradation technologies could shift the risk dynamic toward positive change.
Here’s a local action checklist. for you to protect yourself.
- Water utilities: Review annual water quality reports (many publish PFAS test data).
- Hotspots: If you live near airports, Defence bases, or industrial areas, stay especially alert—these sites are known PFAS contamination zones in Australia.
- Council bulletins: Subscribe to updates from your local council or NSW Health PFAS advisory pages.
- Granular Activated Carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems are the most effective widely available technologies for PFAS reduction.
Maintenance: Replace cartridges on schedule—expired filters may leach contaminants back into the water.
- Cookware: Swap out Teflon/non-stick pans for stainless steel or cast iron.
- Food packaging: Minimise use of fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes, which often contain PFAS coatings.
- Textiles: Avoid stain-resistant or waterproof sprays for furniture and clothing when possible.
- Cosmetics: Check labels for ingredients like “fluoro” or “PTFE.”
- Wash produce thoroughly—especially if grown in areas near known contamination sites.
- Limit high-risk foods: Some studies suggest fish near polluted waterways can carry PFAS. Stick to trusted sources.
- Stay varied: A balanced diet lowers the chance of high exposure through any one food source.
- Don’t panic about blood tests: NSW Health and international experts agree they don’t improve medical outcomes and often just cause worry.
- Follow emerging research: New PFAS destruction methods (like heat+carbon or photocatalysis) are in development—watch for breakthroughs that could soon reach households.
- Filter the news: Sensational headlines can exaggerate risk—focus on credible health and science outlets.
- Join community action groups: Many local PFAS-affected communities in Australia are advocating for stricter cleanup.
- Ask suppliers: Pressure brands to declare whether their products are PFAS-free.
- Support regulation: The US is moving toward near-zero PFAS water limits. Australia may follow—public pressure matters.
- Teach kids about safe water habits without scaring them.
- Encourage schools and childcare centres to review water filtration.
- Choose PFAS-free products when buying clothes, shoes, or gear for children.