Updated Health Guidelines
Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council () has proposed new draft guidelines for PFAS levels in drinking water, aiming to reduce the maximum allowable concentrations of key chemicals due to health concerns.
The recommended limits for substances like PFOA and PFOS have been significantly lowered, reflecting recent evidence linking these "forever chemicals" to potential health risks, including carcinogenic properties and effects on bone marrow and thyroid function.
Impact and Comparison
Despite the stricter guidelines, most Australian water supplies either have no detectable PFAS or already have levels below the proposed new limits, indicating minimal immediate impact on drinking water safety.
The new Australian limits for PFAS chemicals are aligned with global guidelines, though they remain higher than some in the US. This reflects differing approaches to regulation, with Australia adopting a threshold model and the US aiming for zero concentrations of carcinogenic compounds.