Australia Launches Inquiry into 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water

The Australian parliament will conduct a national inquiry into the dangers of 'forever chemicals,' or PFAS, following reports of these chemicals in Sydney's drinking water. PFAS are linked to cancer and are used in numerous everyday products. The inquiry seeks to understand and mitigate the expanding threat of these persistent substances.

Canberra, Aug 23 (The Conversation) – The Australian parliament has initiated a national inquiry into the dangers posed by 'forever chemicals,' scientifically known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

This significant move follows alarming revelations, including a recent report from Sydney Water detecting these chemicals in the city’s drinking water sources. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, who spearheaded the inquiry, has likened these chemicals to the 'asbestos of the 21st century' due to their prevalence and elusive nature. PFAS are linked to cancer, making their presence in drinking water particularly concerning.

'Forever chemicals' encompass a broad group of chemical compounds found in everyday products, from makeup to cookware. Despite challenges in detection, the inquiry aims to address both legacy and background contamination and explore sustainable alternatives to these persistent substances.