The NSW Health Expert Advisory Panel on PFAS has finalised its report, with all recommendations accepted by NSW Health.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, convened the panel to provide advice on the current evidence and guidance related to the potential health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a class of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1940s to make products that resist heat, stains, grease, and water. Their persistence in the environment and potential health
effects have become a growing concern across Australia and internationally.
The Panel is comprised of speciality practitioners, including leading science and health experts in the fields of oncology, endocrinology, toxicology, cardiology, epidemiology, pathology, primary care, public health and risk communication.
The Panel provided the following findings and recommendations:
- based on substantial research already undertaken, the health effects of PFAS appear to be small;
- at present there is no clinical benefit for an individual to have a blood test for PFAS;
- clinical interventions that reduce blood PFAS are of uncertain benefit and may cause harm;
- the prerequisites for epidemiological studies to contribute positively to our understanding and provide reliable information about a clinical effect caused by PFAS are not currently met in NSW communities;
- NSW Health should review communication tools and content to better support communities and clinicians.
The Panel recommended that should a health care provider order a blood test for PFAS for a patient, they should provide clear contextual information about the test and its limitations, and offer preventative health screening in line with current recommendations, independent of the patient’s PFAS level.
The Panel noted the United States National Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) recommendations on PFAS management and advised that the NASEM guidance on individual blood testing is not appropriate to guide clinical management. The responsible agency within the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not adopted NASEM’s recommendations on individual blood testing and health screening based on PFAS blood levels.
The Panel also acknowledged genuine concern in communities about PFAS exposure. It noted actions have been taken to ensure Blue Mountains drinking water complies with the new health-based guideline levels adopted by the National Health and Medical Research Centre, thereby removing an exposure source.
Dr Chant said updated NSW Health advice provides consumers with guidance on how to reduce PFAS exposure.
“There is considerable concern, particularly in the Blue Mountains community, about exposure to PFAS through drinking water, and NSW Health takes these concerns very seriously,” Dr Chant said.
“NSW Health will continue to support local clinicians with information for GPs who may be managing patients with concerns about PFAS exposure including evidence about potential adverse health effects, counselling patients, the utility of blood tests for PFAS and the role of further investigations.”
The report, as well as updated NSW Health advice, is now published on the NSW Health website at NSW Health Expert Advisory Panel on PFAS.
