A warning sign at Mary Creek in Jervis Bay. The Wreck Bay Aboriginal community council is seeking funding for blood testing of PFAS levels of residents. Photograph: Edward Gorwell View image in fullscreen A warning sign at Mary Creek in Jervis Bay. The Wreck Bay Aboriginal community council is seeking funding for blood testing of PFAS levels of residents. Photograph: Edward Gorwell Health Water quality expert calls for wider PFAS ban as NSW community seeks blood tests on ‘poisoned’ land Cost of fixing ‘forever chemical’ pollution should be borne by manufacturers and polluters, not governments and consumers, expert tells Senate inquiry Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Donna Lu Science writer Tue 21 Jan 2025 14.00 GMT Last modified on Wed 22 Jan 2025 03.36 GMT Share
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In a quiet corner of New South Wales lies the serene Jervis Bay, home to the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community facing an invisible threat that has tainted their land and waterways – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These compounds, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” have seeped into their environment, triggering concerns about health implications.
**Expert Insights:**
“Almost every molecule of PFAS that has ever been synthesised is still with us in PFAS form.”
Professor Stuart Khan from the University of Sydney’s School of Civil Engineering emphasizes the long-lasting nature of these pollutants, urging for a comprehensive ban on PFAS used both domestically and abroad to safeguard public health.
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PFAS are omnipresent synthetic compounds found in various products like waterproof fabrics, food packaging, hygiene items, and firefighting foam. With their ability to linger in the ecosystem for extended periods without breaking down easily, they pose a significant challenge to environmental stewardship.
**Expert Analysis:**
“Proper risk assessment would have revealed the ‘forever chemical’ nature of PFAS at their introduction.”
Professor Khan underscores the importance of proactive risk evaluation during product development stages to prevent long-term consequences associated with persistent chemicals like PFAS.
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The repercussions of exposure to certain types of PFAS remain largely unknown; however, specific compounds such as PFOA and PFOS have been linked to adverse health effects over time. Studies indicate a correlation between elevated cholesterol levels and prolonged contact with these substances.
**Expert Insights:**
“The costs of remediating PFAS pollution should be borne by manufacturers and polluters.”
Professor Khan advocates for accountability among industries responsible for introducing harmful substances into the environment while emphasizing the need to shift financial burdens away from governments and ordinary citizens towards those who profit from these products.
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Amid mounting concerns regarding contaminated water sources within Indigenous communities like Wreck Bay Village, calls for stringent regulations governing the presence and usage of PFAS-laden products have intensified.
**Contextual Background:**
The indigenous population’s deep connection to their ancestral lands makes environmental contamination issues particularly poignant as they directly impact cultural practices rooted in traditional territories.
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Senator Lidia Thorpe presided over a public hearing where members from Wreck Bay shared harrowing tales about how negligence led to widespread contamination within their community. Efforts were made by legal representatives like Craig Allsopp from Shine Lawyers to seek restitution amidst lingering uncertainties surrounding potential health hazards linked to sustained exposure.
**Expert Analysis:**
“Because scientific evidence was inconclusive earlier on personal injury claims were excluded.”
Craig Allsopp sheds light on legal complexities faced when pursuing justice against entities responsible for environmental harm due to insufficient clarity regarding health risks associated with persistent pollutants like PFAS at earlier junctures.
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As discussions unfolded during the Senate inquiry session, questions arose about governmental accountability concerning remediation efforts following revelations about historic usage patterns contributing to present-day pollution predicaments faced by communities across Australia grappling with repercussions tied to lax regulatory oversights.
**Insightful Commentary:**
“There needs to be stronger government intervention aligning with community recommendations.”
Calls intensify among stakeholders advocating for robust legislative actions mirroring demands articulated by affected populations regarding immediate redressal measures aimed at rectifying past wrongdoings accountable parties ought to shoulder responsibly moving forward.
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In an era marked by heightened scrutiny towards corporate practices fostering sustainable operations aligned with ecological preservation mindsets gaining traction globally stand poised as mechanisms driving transformative change essential safeguarding delicate ecosystems against insidious threats posed by potent contaminants lurking beneath tranquil landscapes evoking poignant narratives recounting struggles endured emblematic resilience exhibited amid adversity underscoring timeless bond shared between humanity natural world striving harmonious coexistence amidst evolving challenges shaping tomorrow’s legacy shaped today decisions echo resoundingly impacting generations yet unborn perpetuating momentum shifts herald new dawn characterized collective responsibility stewardship pledged inheritors planet entrusted care guardianship preserving sanctity bestowed upon inhabitants earth cherish protect passing forward intact thriving condition legacy worth preserving cherished values upheld uncompromisingly fortitude courage etched annals history defining moments witnessed continuum existence striving noble causes unyieldingly pursuit common good prosperity enriched deeds attesting commitment unwavering resolve forging ahead united front undaunted spirit prevailing odds odds surmounted unity strength diversity woven tapestry intricate beauty celebrating life midst chaos turmoil calm prevails enduring beacon illuminating pathway beckoning wanderers seekers wisdom truth guiding principles steer course righteousness virtue luminous virtues illuminate hearts minds weary travelers traversing corridors time eternal quest enlightenment enkindling flames knowledge dispelling shadows ignorance heralding enlightenment age awakening consciousness beckons souls awaken slumber embracing gift awareness bestowed divinity intrinsic essence permeating realms reality transcending limitations mortal coil ascending realms boundless eternity whispers promises hope futures unfold mystique 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