CONCERNS are growing over “forever chemicals” in tap water after new research linked them to generational impacts on female fertility.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are man-made, long-lasting chemicals which had already been linked to cancer and are resistant to degradation.

A “first of its kind” University of Adelaide study tested PFAS exposure levels currently considered safe under national guidelines and found even short-term exposure through tap water damaged mice embryo cells, reduced viability, and led to longer-term effects including reduced birth weight. The impacts were irreversible.

• Faye Arcaro’s testing of her garden found PFAS contamination made her chickens’ eggs “too toxic”. Photo by Isla Tomlinson

Obvious effects

Lead author Yasmyn Winstanley said just four weeks of exposure to low levels of PFAS in tap water was enough to do damage. 

“These effects were more obvious after six months of drinking tap water, with reductions in the foetal weight of the offspring after maternal exposure,” Dr Winstanley said.

“Low birth weight can have long-term consequences and has been linked to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.” 

The study, using animal models, found carbon filtration was successful in removing PFAS levels. 

Abnormalities

However, the “most concerning” finding was developmental abnormalities appear to be passed on to the daughters and granddaughters of those exposed.

Senior author and professor Rebecca Robker said: “We not only need to eliminate PFAS from our environment, we need greater awareness of the presence of trace levels in our tap water, and strategies to avoid the ongoing health effects that may come from exposure to these chemicals.”

Water Corporation said its tap water testing is carried out in liaison with WA Health in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and it complies with updated national standards from last year.

by ISLA TOMLINSON