A secret MFB audit has found toxic chemical PFAS at multiple Melbourne fire stations
Firefighters have been told there is “no risk to life”, despite the toxic chemical PFAS being found at multiple fire stations and on almost every fire truck tested.
VIC News
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The toxic chemical PFAS has been found at multiple fire stations in Melbourne following a secret government audit.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville confirmed an audit was carried out of Metropolitan Fire Brigade stations last year with the chemical PFAS identified at all the sites tested.
However, Ms Neville has said there is “no risk to life”.
The MFB PFAS audit was the result of blood tests on current firefighters being carried out and returning higher PFAS levels than the rest of the population, MFB Commander Mick Tisbury said.
“So, we tested the trucks.
“Every single truck apart from four have PFAS.
“The next stage was testing the soil at every single station.
“We have got those results now and have self-reported to the EPA and Worksafe.”
Following today in-depth testing will now be carried out at all 47 MFB sites as well as at least one childcare centre built on decommissioned sites and surrounding properties.
Despite the revelations authorities and the minister maintain there is no risk to staff, children or neighbours including at childcare centres adjoining stations in Box Hill and Keilor, and a facility built on a decommisioned site in North Essendon.
“You would need to ingest kilos of the soil with PFAS in it to have any impact,” Ms Neville said.
“Be aware we will be out there... but there is no cause to think health will be compromised”.
However, Mr Tisbury also acknowledged that “no one can tell me this stuff (PFAS) is 100 per cent safe or 100 per cent unsafe.”
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the government “needs to act now”.
“I’ve got a former MFB site in my electorate and I know that my community wants that tested,” he said.
“A health issue has been identified, this is not about politics.”
The ongoing testing will also come at a significant cost.
Each PFAS test costs $200 and with seven on average to be carried out at the 47 sites the initial bill will cost more than $65,000.
It is not yet known how many CFA sites will be audited.
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When the Premier Daniel Andrews was quizzed over the issue this morning he said he was unaware.
“I’ve got no announcements to make or any update to give you around that issue, what I can say though is that we are not fast and loose when it comes to PFAS we know that when it’s not appropriately treated then it can be treated.”
“I’m not briefed on that I cannot provide any further details.”
It is the latest issue in the ongoing saga of PFAS with the chemical also causing issues on major infrastructure projects.