What are PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made (also known as synthetic) chemicals that make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water.
Potential effects of PFAS exposure
Almost everyone will have some exposure to PFAS in their lifetime.
There is currently limited evidence of human disease or other clinically significant harm resulting from PFAS exposure. Some studies have found associations between people exposed to specific PFAS chemicals and the following biological effects:
- increased cholesterol and uric acid levels in the blood
- reduced kidney function
- altered indicators of immunological function
- altered levels of thyroid and sex hormones
- lower birth weight in babies.
- later age for starting menstruations, and earlier menopause.
Exposure to specific PFAS chemicals has also been associated with an increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer. These PFAS chemicals include:
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
Most of this evidence relates to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – a specific type of PFAS that is less common in Australia. These studies are typically from areas where chemicals like PFOA are manufactured, and exposure levels are higher than in Australia.
Please note: An ‘association’ to health outcomes does not confirm a direct cause. It is important to distinguish between:
- an association – a relationship between two factors
- causation – where one factor is directly responsible for change in the other.
Research into the potential health effects of PFAS is ongoing. We will consider new evidence to make sure our policies and guidance support positive health outcomes.
Expert Health Panel on PFAS
This Expert Health Panel on PFAS advised the Australian Government on research, evidence, and health impacts of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The panel produced a final report to outline their key findings and recommendations.
Expert Health Panel for PFAS – Report
PFAS exposure in Australia
Most people in Australia are likely to have very low levels of different PFAS in their bodies through exposure to everyday household items including:
- carpet and upholstery protective sprays
- cosmetics
- sunscreens
- some non-stick cookware.
Increased levels of PFAS are commonly found near:
- sewage treatment plants
- landfills
- places where PFAS containing fire-fighting foams (such as Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF)) have been used, including:
- mining operations
- fuel refineries
- storage facilities
- airports
- fire-training grounds.
People living near sites where PFAS have been released into the environment in large amounts may have higher PFAS levels in their body. Higher PFAS levels are more likely if they have been drinking PFAS-contaminated bore water.
If you have any concerns about a specific site, please refer to your state or territory health department.
Who to contact for PFAS concerns
For some, knowing their community is affected by PFAS may increase stress and worry.
Findings from the PFAS Health Study showed people living in PFAS affected communities, irrespective of PFAS blood concentrations, are more likely to experience psychological distress than those in comparison areas.
Individuals can access mental health support through a range of face-to-face, digital and enquiry services. Learn more about mental health services and supports.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to PFAS, you can contact the Department’s PFAS information line.
Tel: 1800 941 180
What we’re doing about PFAS
The Australian Government takes a precautionary approach to managing existing PFAS contamination. We work to prevent or reduce environmental and human PFAS exposure wherever possible.
We consider new evidence to make sure policy and guidance supports positive health outcomes.
This work includes:
- Health-based guidance values
- Australian drinking water guidelines
- ANU PFAS health study
- Research through the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research Scheme
- PFAS biomarker testing
- PFAS Guidance statement.
Health-based Guidance Values
We developed Health-based Guidance Values to protect the community from exposure to PFAS in food, drinking water and recreational water. These values indicate the amount of a chemical a person can consume regularly over a lifetime without any significant risk to their health.
In 2021, PFAS levels in the general food supply were well below the Australian Health-based Guidance values. For more information about Health-based Guidance Values and PFAS levels in Australia, see the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) define what constitutes safe, high-quality water and outline how to achieve it. These guidelines reflect the most up-to-date scientific knowledge on maintaining good quality drinking water.
In 2022, we requested the National Health and Medical Research Council conduct an independent review of the Australian health-based values for PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The independent review will consider recent guidance and reviews from both international and Australian sources.
Australian National University PFAS Health Study
In 2016, we commissioned Australian National University (ANU) to study the potential health effects associated with PFAS exposure in:
- Katherine (NT)
- Oakey (QLD)
- Williamtown (NSW).
ANU released the findings of this study in 2021. They are consistent with previous studies, which confirm PFAS has not shown to cause disease in humans.
To learn more, read the PFAS Health Study results.
Research funded through the Targeted Call for Research
We provided $11.7 million for health and medical research through the Targeted Call for Research scheme. This scheme will increase our understanding of the acute and long-term potential human health effects from PFAS exposure.
In December 2019, National Health and Medical Research Council announced 9 successful applications for funding. We expect these studies to conclude between 2023–2025.
PFAS biomarker testing
We provided $800,000 to the Australian Bureau of Statistics to include PFAS biomarker testing in the Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study. This will help us to understand PFAS exposure levels in the Australian population.
The main collection of samples occurred over 2022–23. We expect the study results to release in 2025.
PFAS Guidance Statement
The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) has updated its PFAS resources. The new guidance statement and fact sheet reflect the latest research, including the Australian National University PFAS Health Study. They also combine information from the previous Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) fact sheet and other relevant enHealth guidance documents.
To learn more, see the revised guidance statement and fact sheet.