PFAS: 'Forever chemicals' that make people and Country sick.
PFAS chemicals are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of over 14,000 chemicals that don’t break down. They already pollute our waterways, land, food, drinking water, and even our bloodstreams.
These chemicals harm Country and our health, and they affect every single one of us, every day.
PFAS chemicals are used for their water, oil and stain resistant properties. They are found in common consumer products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, dental floss, cosmetics, activewear, as well as firefighting foams.
Research has shown PFAS linked to increased cholesterol levels, risks for various cancers, thyroid disease, decreased infant and foetal growth and liver damage, among many others.
Despite evidence of their health impacts, successive governments have failed to pursue stronger regulations to keep the community safe, hold to account the companies making billions in profits from these chemicals, and provide support to communities affected by major PFAS contamination, such as the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community in NSW and the community in Katherine, NT.
The Inquiry
In August 2024, I successfully passed a Senate motion to establish a committee to look into PFAS.
This inquiry will examine the sources that expose people to these ‘forever chemicals’, the extent of their presence in the environment, food systems and consumer goods, and how regulations can be strengthened to protect the population from its harmful effects.
Submissions are now open until 19 December 2024, with public hearings to be held in early 2025.
For more information, or if you would like to make a submission, please head to the Select Committee’s website.
The inquiry will look into sources of PFAS exposure, its health, social, cultural and economic impacts, the effectiveness of current monitoring, data collection, remediation and regulation, support for affected communities and areas for reform, among others. You can read the full terms of reference for the inquiry here.