New study will answer crucial questions about PFAS exposure
A new study performed over a number of years will decide how PFAS exposure really is impacting the residents of Oakey, and two other Australian towns.
Toowoomba
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An extensive new study performed over two years will answer crucial questions regarding the residents of Oakey’s exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
UQ students will aim to determine how effective efforts to control exposure to PFAS have been in Oakey, Williamtown and Katherine, and why PFAS levels in some residents reduce faster than others – and residents are being called up to volunteer their assistance.
Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences Professor Jochen Mueller said the study would deduce whether PFAS blood concentrations are being reduced in the communities.
“Where we find this is not the case, we want to identify whether there are ongoing sources of exposure and control them,” he said.
“People who have previously had their blood collected and analysed for PFAS and have elevated concentrations in their blood are invited to take part.”
Participants are required to provide one blood sample this year and another to measure changes in the concentration of PFAS in the blood over time.
The QAEHS team also hopes to contribute to the broader research into PFAS exposure and the potential association with health issues.
Professor Kelly Fielding said the study would directly benefit the residents themselves, as well as the Australian and international communities.
“The research can tell us what exposure control measures work, which would be a real help to anyone in Australia who has been exposed to high levels of PFAS.”
PFAS are manufactured chemicals that are commonly detected in the blood of many people in the general community.
Some communities in Australia have previously been exposed to higher levels of PFAS due to contamination in the environment.
This study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Interested residents can phone 1800 370 760 or 0419 110 176 or email PFASstudy@uq.edu.au
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