Saint-Louis, France has banned tap water after tests showed contamination of PFAS (Poly- and Per-Fluoroalkyl Substances), chemicals commonly used in products such as fabric protectants, waterproof clothing, food packaging and fire-fighting foams. An RMIT expert explains that whilst PFAS are a concern, a water contamination high enough to cause harm is unlikely to happen in Australia.
Professor Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry
"The contamination of PFAS in drinking water in Saint-Louis, France is clearly concerning, especially for those directly affected.
"However, while headlines like "PFAS at four times the recommended limit" sound alarming, the actual limit is incredibly low and in France, no harm has been demonstrated yet.
"A tap water ban or similar situation is unlikely to happen in Australia, except in the event of a serious industrial accident. Most potable water supplies in Australia either have no detectable PFAS or concentrations below even the recently introduced guidelines for Australian drinking water.
"We often overlook the fact that the mere presence of something does not mean it will automatically cause harm. For example, we know we can get skin cancer from UV light, but that does not mean we will get cancer as soon as we go outside.
"Although there are places in Australia where extensive use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams has occurred, for example airports or fire-fighting training grounds, these areas are known and managed."
Oliver Jones is a Professor of Chemistry, Deputy Director of the RMIT Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre and an internationally recognised expert in analytical and environmental chemistry. He is passionate about using science to keep our environment safe.
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