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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tory Shepherd

Australia among hotspots for toxic ‘forever chemicals’, study of PFAS levels finds

Paper and cardboard food packaging containing a salad and rice
Many everyday items, including food packaging, contain toxic ‘forever’ chemicals. Photograph: AAP

High levels of so-called forever chemicals have been found in surface and groundwater all over the world, with Australia one of several hotspots for toxic PFAS, a University of New South Wales study has found.

Researchers examined groundwater samples from around the world and found 69% had per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at levels above Canada’s safe drinking water criteria and 32% had levels higher than the US proposed drinking water hazard index.

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