A recently released report by a panel of experts from NSW Health has concluded that the health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are minimal. The panel, which published its findings on March 5, 2024, stated that there is no clinical advantage for individuals to undergo blood testing for PFAS, a conclusion that raises questions given the growing public concern over these chemicals.
The expert panel, composed of 13 members including Tony Merritt, a public health physician from Hunter New England Health, and Shamasunder Acharya, clinical director of endocrinology at John Hunter Hospital, examined existing research on PFAS. These compounds have been linked to contamination issues in areas such as Williamtown since 2012, sparking increasing health concerns across Australia as reports of PFAS contamination in drinking water and food sources emerged.
According to the report, many health conditions that may be associated with PFAS exposure are prevalent in the general population and connected to established risk factors. Despite this, the panel acknowledged that some studies have indicated potential associations between PFAS and health issues such as high cholesterol and reduced kidney function. Additional links were noted regarding immune system alterations, hormone level changes, liver enzyme fluctuations, and menstrual irregularities.
The panel also highlighted serious concerns about PFAS exposure, including associations with lower birth weights, elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, and some types of cancer. Nonetheless, the findings emphasized a lack of consistent evidence across various studies, with many showing low PFAS levels similar to those found in the general population. The panel remarked that these studies often failed to differentiate between the effects of PFAS and other health determinants.
A notable observation from the report was that individuals with poor kidney function tend to have higher PFAS levels, which may lead to misleading associations regarding health conditions. The report stated, “PFAS are partly excreted by the kidneys. This means people with poor kidney function will have higher levels of PFAS, which may result in apparent associations between PFAS and other health conditions.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic. However, the NSW Health panel expressed confidence that the overall cancer risk associated with PFAS is low. They advised against using existing human epidemiological studies to determine PFAS threshold levels due to high bias risks.
Emerging research continues to explore the implications of PFAS exposure. A study from the University of Newcastle published last year pointed to significant epidemiological evidence suggesting negative health impacts associated with PFAS. While it acknowledged the challenges in conclusively linking PFAS to specific health outcomes, it maintained that the overall evidence leans towards adverse health effects resulting from such exposure.
In light of these findings, Dr. Kerry Chant, the Chief Health Officer of NSW, stated that updated guidelines from NSW Health aim to inform the public on ways to reduce PFAS exposure. She emphasized the heightened concerns in communities, particularly in the Blue Mountains, regarding PFAS in drinking water, assuring that these issues are taken seriously by health authorities.
Despite the report’s conclusions, NSW Health has accepted all recommendations from the expert panel, including the necessity for improved communication regarding risk levels associated with PFAS exposure. As the debate over the health implications of these “forever chemicals” continues, the findings serve as a critical reference point for public health policy and community awareness.
