Exposed: How Australia's Drinking Water Danger Puts You at Risk - What Chemical Expert Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith Reveals Inside!
- Replies 5
Australia is renowned for its natural beauty and resources, but recent revelations have raised concerns about the safety of one of our most fundamental needs: drinking water. Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, a senior policy adviser for the International Pollutants Elimination Network, has issued an urgent warning that Australia is lagging behind other nations in ensuring the safety of its drinking water, particularly in relation to the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS, commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, have been linked to a host of health issues, including cancer, immune system problems, and developmental issues in infants and children. Alarmingly, the World Health Organization has classified PFOA, a variant of PFAS, as a class one human carcinogen.
The United States has recently tightened its regulations on the allowable levels of PFAS in drinking water, setting a maximum of four parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, another variant. In stark contrast, Australian guidelines permit up to 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFHxS and a staggering 560 parts per trillion for PFOA. Dr. Lloyd-Smith has criticized these standards as 'out of date, out of touch, and totally not usable for protecting human health.'
The use of PFAS in Australia has been widespread, particularly in firefighting foams at Defence Force bases, due to their resistance to heat and flames. These chemicals have also been used in consumer products such as raincoats and non-stick frying pans, contributing to their ubiquity in the environment and their ability to travel vast distances, even reaching the ice caps and deep-sea floor soil sediment.
Most Australians likely have low levels of PFAS in their bodies from everyday items like sunscreen and cosmetics. However, the real danger lies in prolonged exposure, which can occur through the consumption of contaminated water over time. Dr Nick Chartres, from the University of Sydney's medicine and health faculty, has emphasized that based on current evidence, 'there is actually no safe level of exposure to PFAS.'
The disparity between Australian and international standards has raised serious questions about the adequacy of our drinking water guidelines and the potential health risks for the Australian public. Dr Lloyd-Smith has cautioned against turning to bottled water as a solution, as PFAS have been detected in bottled water as well. While filtration systems can reduce PFAS levels, they are often costly and not a viable option for many individuals.
In light of these concerns, Dr. Lloyd-Smith has urged Australians to be proactive in reducing their exposure to PFAS. This includes checking labels and ingredients in makeup products, researching the manufacturing processes of clothing, food, and packaging, and advocating for stricter regulations on the use of PFAS.
It is clear that Australia must take decisive action to reassess its drinking water standards and align them with the latest scientific findings and international best practices. The health and safety of the Australian people depend on it. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to stay informed about these issues and to support initiatives that aim to protect our health and environment.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences regarding drinking water safety. Have you taken any steps to reduce your exposure to PFAS? What measures do you think Australia should implement to ensure the safety of our drinking water? Join the conversation below, and let's discuss how we can work together for a healthier future.
PFAS, commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, have been linked to a host of health issues, including cancer, immune system problems, and developmental issues in infants and children. Alarmingly, the World Health Organization has classified PFOA, a variant of PFAS, as a class one human carcinogen.
The United States has recently tightened its regulations on the allowable levels of PFAS in drinking water, setting a maximum of four parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, another variant. In stark contrast, Australian guidelines permit up to 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFHxS and a staggering 560 parts per trillion for PFOA. Dr. Lloyd-Smith has criticized these standards as 'out of date, out of touch, and totally not usable for protecting human health.'
Warnings were issued by Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith that Australia had fallen behind in water safety due to outdated PFAS guidelines. Credit: Shutterstock
The use of PFAS in Australia has been widespread, particularly in firefighting foams at Defence Force bases, due to their resistance to heat and flames. These chemicals have also been used in consumer products such as raincoats and non-stick frying pans, contributing to their ubiquity in the environment and their ability to travel vast distances, even reaching the ice caps and deep-sea floor soil sediment.
Most Australians likely have low levels of PFAS in their bodies from everyday items like sunscreen and cosmetics. However, the real danger lies in prolonged exposure, which can occur through the consumption of contaminated water over time. Dr Nick Chartres, from the University of Sydney's medicine and health faculty, has emphasized that based on current evidence, 'there is actually no safe level of exposure to PFAS.'
The disparity between Australian and international standards has raised serious questions about the adequacy of our drinking water guidelines and the potential health risks for the Australian public. Dr Lloyd-Smith has cautioned against turning to bottled water as a solution, as PFAS have been detected in bottled water as well. While filtration systems can reduce PFAS levels, they are often costly and not a viable option for many individuals.
In light of these concerns, Dr. Lloyd-Smith has urged Australians to be proactive in reducing their exposure to PFAS. This includes checking labels and ingredients in makeup products, researching the manufacturing processes of clothing, food, and packaging, and advocating for stricter regulations on the use of PFAS.
It is clear that Australia must take decisive action to reassess its drinking water standards and align them with the latest scientific findings and international best practices. The health and safety of the Australian people depend on it. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to stay informed about these issues and to support initiatives that aim to protect our health and environment.
.png){kind=icon}
