Let me give you 11.48 billion reasons why you should read this article about the Quality Of The Water We Drink. At the end of this post, I have documented the one fact all the media have failed to report, and it will shock you. 11.48 billion—that’s how much the two companies in the USA have paid to settle out of court to cover up the magnitude of their crime.
Tap water in Australia is considered safe because it’s backed by one of the world’s strictest drinking water regulatory systems. With over 250 guidelines, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), are rigorously enforced by state and territory governments to maintain high water quality standards. This should give you a sense of confidence in the safety of your tap water.
But what about the recent stories on network news and newspapers that have reported Forever Chemicals have been found in reservoirs and tap water in some parts of Australia and a significant number of everyday products?
- Non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon)
- Pizza boxes
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Fast-food wrappers and containers
- Candy wrappers
- Shampoo
- Dental floss
- Mascara
- Foundation
- Nail polish
- Eye makeup
- Carpets and rugs
- Furniture textiles
- Window treatments
- Artificial turf
- Stain-resistant coatings for upholstery
- Waterproof and stain-resistant clothing
- Umbrellas
- Soft contact lenses
- Toilet paper
- Menstrual products (tampons, pads, period underwear)
- Plastic water bottles
- Cleaning products
- Firefighting foam
- Medical equipment and masks
While there’s no definitive consensus on whether any level of PFAS consumption is inherently harmful, the potential health risks should not be taken lightly. With widespread PFAS exposure and most people having low levels in their bodies, it’s crucial to understand that the full extent of the health risks is not yet fully understood.
This should raise your concern about the issue.
Current research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. Studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and various biological effects, including:
- Increased cholesterol and uric acid levels
- Reduced kidney function
- Altered immune function
- Changes in thyroid and sex hormone levels
- Lower birth weight in babies
- Increased risk of certain cancers (testicular and kidney
Forever chemicals, known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become a significant concern in drinking water due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks. These synthetic compounds, used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, have been found to contaminate water sources worldwide, posing a threat to human health.
The health implications of PFAS exposure are wide-ranging and concerning. Studies have linked these chemicals to various adverse health effects, including liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues, and cancer.
The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have traces of these pollutants in their blood.
One of the most alarming aspects of forever chemicals is their ability to accumulate in the human body over time. PFAS have a long half-life in the body, preferentially accumulating in the blood and liver.
This bioaccumulation can lead to chronic exposure, potentially increasing the risk of long-term health effects even if the initial exposure levels were relatively low. The impact of PFAS on human health extends beyond individual adults. Research has shown that these chemicals can affect fetal development and infant health. PFAS exposure has been associated with decreased fertility, newborn deaths, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, and delayed development.
These findings underscore the potential intergenerational effects of PFAS contamination. The human body’s inability to efficiently eliminate PFAS compounds exacerbates the health risks associated with exposure. Unlike many other environmental contaminants, PFAS are not quickly metabolised or excreted, leading to their persistent presence in the body. This characteristic has led to PFAS being dubbed ‘forever chemicals,’ as they can remain in the body for years after exposure. This should make you concerned about the long-term impact on future generations.
Given the ubiquity of PFAS in the environment and their potential health impacts, addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. While individual actions such as using water filters and avoiding PFAS-containing products can help reduce exposure, broader regulatory measures are necessary. The recent implementation of stricter PFAS limits in drinking water by various countries, including the United States, represents a step towards mitigating the risks associated with these persistent pollutants.
The current Australian Standard for acceptable limits of Forever Chemical in drinking water is as follows.
- PFOS: 4 nanograms per litre (ng/L), reduced from the previous 70 ng/L (Nanograms per Litre)
- PFOA: Not specified in the search results, but currently set at 560 ng/L
- PFHxS: Not specified in the search results, but presently combined with PFOS at 70 ng/L
- PFBS: A new guideline value is proposed, but the specific limit is not mentioned in the search results
It’s important to note that these guidelines are not yet finalised and are subject to change based on public consultation. The final guidelines are expected to be released in April 2025.
While no country has eliminated PFAS from all its water systems, several nations have made significant progress in removing these “forever chemicals” from drinking water sources.
Here is the critical question no one is reporting on.
How long does the human body take to eliminate PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFBS?
The elimination half-lives for these compounds are:
- PFOS: 3.3 to 27 years
- PFOA: 2.1 to 10.1 years
- PFHxS: 4.7 to 35 years
- PFBS: Approximately 665 hours (about 28 days)
What is an acceptable limit for Forever Chemical in our drinking water?
Nil.
3M and Dupont settled the claims against the for the damage caused by Forever Chemical for a combined $US11.48 billion. If the fact didn’t grab your attention, then I am sure $US11.48 billion should make the point about how big a problem this is.
In my next Post, I will cover ” Weight Loss Programs Don’t Work.”
