Novel Australian data show that most of us have PFA in our blood. How do we worry?

The Australian Statistics Office (ABS) has this week New data was issued What tells us about the presence of per- and polyphluoralkilic substances (PFA) in the bodies of Australians.

The data comes from concentrations measured in blood samples Almost 7,000 people at the age of 12 and older, gathered under National Health Surrary Survey for 2022–24.

The arrangements are disturbing, showing that PFAs are detected in The vast majority Australian population, to different levels.

But are they the cause of the alarm? What do these findings mean for our health?

“Eternal chemicals”

PFA, often called “forever chemicals”, is a group of thousands of different Chemicals made by people. The molecular structure of PFAS chemicals – characterized by extremely sturdy bonds between coal and fluorine atoms – makes PFAS Degraded.

Many PFAS products are very effective due to resistance to water, oil, fat and spots, while others promote money. From 40sPFAS chemicals have been widely used in many consumer and industry products, such as non -mirror pans, fabrics resistant to spots and fire foam.

One of the disadvantages of PFAS is theirs Bioacumulation potentialor gradually accumulate in the body.

Significant Exhibition paths Take into account PFA intake in drinking water, food or absorption through the skin. The absorption of diminutive amounts gradually accumulates in the organs of people and animals, especially the liver.

Exposure to PFA is associated with an increased risk of many Unfavorable health results. They include reduced fertility and increased risk of some cancers, liver disease, kidney disease, High cholesterol and obesity.

Data bending

ABS data measured 11 types of PFA. The group of their chosen chemicals PFAS reflects the most commonly detected forms from previous studies. The concentration of PFAS chemicals is measured in blood serum in nanograms on a milliliter (ng/ml).

Three types of PFA were detected in the blood over 85% of Australians, while the rest were detected in lower proportions of people.

The type of PFA was most often detected in the blood Perfluorooktanesulfonic acid (Pfos). It was found in 98.6% of samples.

PFOS accumulation was a earnest problem in firefighters. Many of them were vulnerable to PFO, sometimes for decades, and many suffered an extremely high incidence of the disease, including a suspicious cancer cluster.

The chart below shows that PFOS levels increases with age. This may be due to the fact that it accumulates in the body over time and because many types of PFO are withdrawn. From 2004, its operate in fire fighting was was withdrawn by the main users, such as the Department of Defense.

It was also found that PFOS are higher in men – research shows that PFAS IS expelled faster in womenIncluding menstruation and breastfeeding.

The second most -detected type of PFA detected in Australian blood samples was perfluoroctanic acid (PFOA), in 96.1% of samples. PFOA has recently been classified by the World Health Organization as Group 1 carcinogenicityWhich means that this is a recognized cancer -causing agent.

The third most -detected type of PFA was perfluorohexan sulfonic acid (PFHXS), which was detected in 88.1% of samples.

So what are the implications?

In the national study of measures, the relationship showed a relationship between the higher medium levels of PFOS and markers of chronic disease, including high levels of cholesterol, diabetes and kidney function.

It should be noted, however, that it is only 7,000 people, and the data was weighted as representative of the Australian population. There may be other factors, such as lifestyle or profession that affected the results.

Although these findings may be disturbing, they are not a reason for the alarm. Scientific evidence more explicitly tell us clearly whether PFAS concentrations equivalent to those observed in current data would have a direct impact on the results of the disease.

Some good news is that generally these data suggest that we have less PFA in our blood compared to people in other countries.

Why this data is vital

The ABS report contains the most detailed domestic output data on PFA in the Australian population.

While many people are worried about PFA, some Australian communities are particularly dead.

For example, in August 2024, it was revealed that the water filtration factory in Blue mountains It contained significant PFA concentrations. This was probably caused by a earnest gas catastrophe in 1992 and the residual effects of PFA from fire foam that reacted to this incident.

While people can have a blood sample to measure PFA levels, it is very high-priced. NSW Health advises PFAS tests it is not covered by medicare or private health insurance.

There are reports of the inhabitants of Blue Mountains who paid for a blood test Very high concentrations Pfas. These ABS results will aid people who receive a blood test in assessments how their results are compared with typical results of a person of the same age and sex. People with fears should consult a doctor.

ABS data will also be valuable for doctors and public health authorities, providing vital information to manage PFA pollution management and its potential health effect.