- What PFAS is: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s, highly persistent in the environment and human body ("forever chemicals")
- Where detected in Australia: Near airports (PFAS in firefighting foam), military bases, industrial sites, and some municipal water supplies
- Health concerns: Linked to increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, immune system effects, and developmental issues in children
- What removes it: Activated carbon (granular or carbon block) and reverse osmosis — both significantly reduce PFAS. Standard sediment filters do not.
- How to check your area: AECOM contamination map, state EPA websites, and PFAS Management Area declarations by Defence
What PFAS is and why it matters
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of approximately 4,700 synthetic chemical compounds that have been manufactured and used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They were used in non-stick cookware (PTFE), waterproofing agents, food packaging, stain-resistant carpets and textiles, and — most significantly for Australian water contamination — aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting.
The "forever chemicals" nickname comes from the extraordinarily strong carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS molecules — one of the strongest in organic chemistry. PFAS do not break down in the environment and accumulate in living organisms over time. They have been detected in the blood of virtually every person tested worldwide.
PFAS contamination in Australia
Australia has some of the highest-profile PFAS contamination cases in the world, primarily from historical use of AFFF firefighting foam at military bases and airports. Sites with confirmed or investigated PFAS contamination include:
🇦🇺 RAAF bases
Multiple RAAF bases across Australia including Williamtown (NSW), Pearce (WA), Darwin (NT), Edinburgh (SA), and others have confirmed PFAS contamination in surrounding areas from historical AFFF use.
✈️ Airports
Commercial airports where AFFF was used historically have surrounding PFAS investigations. Some residential areas near major airports have elevated PFAS in groundwater.
🏭 Industrial sites
Various industrial sites and manufacturing areas where PFAS-containing products were used or manufactured. Some have affected local water supplies.
🌊 Municipal water
Some Australian municipal water supplies have tested positive for PFAS at varying concentrations. PFAS detection ≠ PFAS at harmful levels — concentrations matter significantly.
The Department of Defence maintains a PFAS Management Area map for defence-related contamination sites. State EPA and water authorities publish water quality reports including PFAS results for municipal supplies. If you are in a known affected area, your water authority should be providing regular testing data. Search "[your area] PFAS water quality report" or contact your state EPA directly.
Health concerns — what the evidence shows
PFAS research has accelerated significantly since 2015. The current scientific consensus from major health authorities including the IARC, US EPA, and ANZECC:
- PFOA and PFOS (the two most studied PFAS compounds) are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans, with stronger evidence for kidney cancer and testicular cancer specifically
- Thyroid disruption: PFAS interfere with thyroid hormone production and transport, with effects documented at relatively low exposure levels
- Immune system effects: Reduced vaccine response and immune function alterations observed in children with higher PFAS blood levels
- Developmental effects: Lower birth weight and developmental delays associated with prenatal PFAS exposure in some studies
- Important context: The dose makes the poison. PFAS at trace detectable levels is very different from PFAS at high concentration. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) set health-based guideline values — water below these levels is considered safe.
What actually removes PFAS
| Filter Type | PFAS Removal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granular activated carbon (GAC) | 50–80% | Effectiveness depends heavily on contact time and PFAS type. Most whole house carbon filters use GAC. |
| Carbon block filter | 70–90% | Better than GAC due to longer contact time and finer pore structure. Common in quality under-sink systems. |
| Reverse osmosis membrane | 90–98% | Most effective readily available residential technology. Combined with carbon pre-filter = highest removal. |
| Standard sediment filter | 0–5% | Not effective for PFAS — physical filtration only, PFAS molecules too small. |
| Pitcher / gravity filter | 20–60% | Variable — depends on carbon type. Not recommended as primary PFAS treatment. |
Boiling water is effective for killing bacteria and viruses but does not remove PFAS. In fact, boiling concentrates PFAS as water evaporates, potentially increasing concentration in the remaining water. If PFAS is a concern, you need a filter — not a kettle.
If you live near a known PFAS contamination site (military base, airport, or listed industrial site), water testing is worthwhile. Laboratory PFAS testing costs $150–$400 depending on the number of PFAS compounds tested. Your water authority may already publish PFAS results for your supply — check their website or request the data. If you're on town mains water not near a known contamination site, the risk is generally low and systematic testing may not be necessary.
Detection ≠ danger. PFAS at trace levels (below Australian Drinking Water Guideline values) is not considered a health risk. The ADWG sets specific health-based guideline values for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds. Your water authority is required to notify customers if PFAS exceeds these guidelines. If you're concerned, contact your water authority and request the latest testing data for your specific supply.