Recent official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has delivered some surprising insights: three types of PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," have been detected in the blood of over 85% of Australians! 😮
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 4,000 chemicals that persist in our environment and even in our bodies over time – hence the nickname. The ABS tested 11 types among Australians aged 12 and above and found high detection rates, especially for PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. For instance, PFOS was found in 99.1% of males and 98.3% of females, with PFOA and PFHxS showing similarly high numbers.
James Eynstone-Hinkins, head of health statistics at the ABS, noted that older individuals tend to exhibit higher PFAS levels and that males generally show higher levels than females. This national baseline will be key for future monitoring and research into the potential health risks these chemicals pose, including links to certain cancers.
For our tech-savvy community navigating modern life, these findings are a wake-up call about the long-lasting impact of environmental pollutants. Stay informed and keep questioning what’s around you! 💡
Reference(s):
'Forever chemicals' detected in blood of over 85% of Australians
cgtn.com
