The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) has called on the Federal Government to establish a national human biomonitoring (HBM) program to track Australians’ accumulation of chemical contaminants.
Academy President Louise Baur said that the Academy’s submission to the Select Committee inquiry on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) includes a recommendation that the government brings Australia in line with nations such as the US, Canada, South Korea, Germany and Japan by establishing a HBM program.
“More research is needed into the health impacts of PFAS – a group of forever chemicals present in Australians’ drinking water, food and household products,” she said.
“Understanding the potential links between PFAS accumulation and health risks such as inhibited childhood neurodevelopment requires wider monitoring of these and other chemical contaminants.”
“The effects of individual chemicals cumulate even when they occur in low concentrations, often as part of complex chemical mixtures.”
“The combined health effects of these mixtures are not well understood,” she added.
As the leading body representing the health and medical sciences community, the Academy is encouraged by the government’s inquiry into PFAS – particularly its focus on the health impacts of PFAS and the challenges around undertaking health and exposure research into these forever chemicals.
“While Australia works to establish its HBM program, it should monitor pregnant women’s levels of PFAS and other chemical contaminants as an interim measure.”
The Academy’s full submission can be read here.
Media: AAHMS Interim CEO Khaled Chakli, [email protected]