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PFAS environmental investigations

The NSW RFS (RFS), NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) and local Councils are working to investigate the presence of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at locations across NSW. Three types of PFAS chemicals – Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFHxS) were common ingredients in firefighting foams, which were used extensively worldwide for many years due to their effectiveness in fighting liquid fuel fires.

The EPA is leading the NSW PFAS investigation program.  The EPA monitors the progress of RFS PFAS investigations and coordinates any necessary precautionary dietary advice for people to avoid PFAS exposure.

PFAS in firefighting foams

Firefighting foam containing PFAS was used by some brigades in operational and training activities from 1975 for the protection of people and property.

In 2007, the RFS commenced the removal and disposal of PFAS based foams. Measures have been implemented to identify and appropriately dispose of any possible residual amounts of PFAS foam that may have remained in storage after this time.

RFS no longer uses PFAS containing foam and complies with the Protection of the Environment Operations (General Amendment) PFAS Fire Fighting foam (Regulation) 2021.

Firefighting foams used by the RFS are authorised by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, the approval body for chemical use in Australia. RFS has only used foams legally permitted for use in Australia.

PFAS in the environment

PFAS compounds have been used in the manufacture of many common household and industrial goods (as shown in the diagram below), as well as historically in certain types of firefighting foams.

These common household and industrial goods include, but are not limited to, stain resistant applications for furniture and carpets, non-stick cookware, fast food or packaged food containers, make up, personal care products, paints, and cleaning products.

Products containing PFAS are being phased out around the world. However due to their widespread use, and persistence in the environment, most people living in developed nations will likely have some level of PFOS and PFOA present in their bodies.

What are the health implications of PFAS?

The presence of PFAS in the environment does not necessarily mean there is a risk to human health or the environment.

In May 2018, the Commonwealth Department of Health’s Expert Health Panel provided advice on PFAS health impacts. If you wish to download the full report, it can be obtained here. Further information can also be obtained from the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) Factsheet on PFAS.

While there is no consistent evidence of any human health effects related to PFAS exposure, the NSW PFAS Expert Panel is taking a precautionary approach to protecting human health.

PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals that have the ability to bioaccumulate, and do not easily break down and can persist in the environment for a long time.

More information

  • Read more about the NSW EPA state-wide PFAS Program including Frequently Asked Questions
  • Questions about the NSW EPA’s state-wide PFAS investigation program can be directed to the NSW Environment Line on 131 555.
  • NSW Health has a range of information available about PFAS
  • The Australian Government has a dedicated PFAS website that contains a range of information pertaining to PFAS, this includes ‘what are PFAS’, ‘How might PFAS affect us’ and ‘FAQs’, along with other important information
  • The Department of Health and Aged Care also has a page on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)has a range of information available about PFAS
  • The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care Expert Health Panel provided advice on the health impacts of PFAS
  • You can make enquiries to Australian Government health information service by phone on 1800 941 180 or by email to health.PFAS@health.gov.au.
  • You can read more about current RFS PFAS investigations by monitoring this site.

Our commitment to you

We will work to keep you up to date on investigations.

Email pfas@rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Updated as of 13 Nov 2024