The Central Coast Greens will hold a public information session and forum on Saturday, July 19, on the subject of PFAS chemicals and why people should be concerned about them.
“PFAS is term used for a group of man-made chemicals which have been recognised as chemicals of concern due to their effects on human and environmental health,” a spokesperson said.
“These chemicals do not occur naturally, are extremely durable, are highly mobile and will accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals.
“Residues are present in plants and soils as well as our waterways.
“While certain PFAS chemicals are known to be carcinogenic, some of the health effects on children and adults are just beginning to be understood by medical science which is why an initial three PFAS compounds received a national ban in Australia earlier this month.
“PFAS compounds can be ingested or absorbed through the skin and a number have been linked to various forms of cancer and reduced immunities to diseases, decreased fertility and reduced foetal and infant growth.”
The spokesperson said due to their bio accumulative properties, ongoing exposure to even very small concentrations of PFAS chemicals in the environment, through food consumption and the use of everyday products could result in adverse health effects.
“There are many thousands of different PFAS compounds in use around the globe and they are contained in a wide range of products made domestically and in imported goods.
“As the chemicals are extremely stable, their water and heat and stain resistant properties have been widely applied to many products including in food packaging, cosmetics, textiles, paints, adhesives, cooking implements, firefighting foams, electrical and electronic products, motor vehicles and many others.
“Almost all plastic products contain either a variation of a PFAS compound or another chemical of concern.
“The Central Coast is home to a diverse manufacturing sector in which these chemicals may well be used.
“We already host a number of listed PFAS contaminated sites, including the former Munmorah Power Station, the former landfill sites at Bateau Bay, West Gosford (Adcock Park), East Gosford (Hilton Moore Park), Kincumber (Frost Reserve) and the former Jaycar Electronics store site at Erina.”
The spokesperson said as sampling and testing technology standards were being developed, it was inevitable that further contaminated sites were identified.
“These sites will need to remain isolated and managed indefinitely as no effective and practical remediation methods are known.”
The public information session and forum will take place from 3pm-5pm on Saturday, July 19, at the Narara Community Centre, 2 Pandala Rd.
Speakers will be Matthew Tendam from Macquarie University, Jackie Pearson from the Community Environment Network, Gary Blaschke from Future Sooner and Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann.
To register, go to contact-nsw.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=22243
