Are You Drinking Forever Chemicals?

Protecting Your Health from “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water

In recent months, alarming reports have surfaced about the presence of “forever chemicals”—man-made substances that do not break down and can accumulate in the human body for years. These chemicals, known as PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), are now a major concern across Australia and internationally. They’re being found in drinking water, food, wildlife, and even household products, and their long-term presence in our bodies poses significant health risks.

What Are “Forever Chemicals”?

PFAS are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They’re found in items like non-stick cookware (like Teflon), waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpets, food packaging, and even firefighting foam. Because PFAS don’t break down naturally, they linger in the environment and our bodies for decades.

Unfortunately, these chemicals are nearly impossible to avoid. They’re present in household dust, soil, air, cleaning products, personal care items, and even in our food supply. However, the biggest health risk comes from drinking contaminated water. PFAS can enter water supplies through runoff from landfills, manufacturing sites, and the use of firefighting foam near water sources.

How Bad Is the Problem?

Recent studies have revealed concerning levels of PFAS in water supplies across Australia. For example, in September 2024, a report showed that PFAS levels in the Greaves Creek Water Filtration Plant near the Blue Mountains were more than 1,400 times the safe level recommended by experts. The source of this contamination was linked to firefighting foam used in the area.

Experts agree that PFAS can accumulate in your body over time. Even if you avoid further exposure, these chemicals can remain for years—sometimes up to 7 years or more. What’s more, unlike heavy metals, which can leave the body relatively quickly, PFAS tend to stick around, entering tissues and staying there.

Health Risks of PFAS

Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to several serious health issues, including:

• Cancer: Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers.
• Neurotoxic: PFAS exposure can disrupt neurotransmission, particularly in the dopamine and glutamate systems.
• Immune System: Impaired immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.
• Hormonal Disruption: Disruptions to thyroid and other hormone levels, affecting growth and reproductive health.
• Liver Damage: Elevated liver enzyme levels indicating liver stress or damage.
• Developmental Issues: Potential effects on fetal development during pregnancy, increasing the risk of birth defects.

Aside from PFAS, what else may you be drinking in your water?

Just because you’re on a municipal water supply doesn’t mean all is well… Surprises can and do happen… each year there are violations to the Safe Drinking Water Act – involving over 20 percent of water treatment facilities. Bear in mind that when municipalities test, they’re testing the water, which leaves their facility — not the water showing up at your tap.

Contaminated water is real – so the more you know about your water, the better you can protect your family.

Drinking water according to the “Australian Drinking Water Guidelines”:
“Ideally, drinking water should be, clear, colourless, and well aerated with no unpalatable taste or odors. It should contain no suspended matter, harmful chemical substances or pathogenic micro-organisms”.
Despite these guidelines our water supplies come to us at the point of consumption with many undesirable qualities.

Just some of these include:

• Chlorine – Used for the treatment of water supplies to eliminate many waterborne diseases. This can alter the balance in our gut microbiome, especially in a developing infants microbiome and has also been shown to alter menstrual cycle length and ovarian function.
• Bacteria – Despite initial treatments some unwelcome forms of bacteria can still propagate between initial treatment facilities & the domestic or commercial water source.
• Organic chemicals – Many of these originate from pesticides, weed killers, commercial & domestic waste.
• Nitrate – Normally traced to the use of fertilizers & or sewage contamination. Nitrate reacts with other chemicals & forms Nitrite within the digestive tract. It can then go on to form carcinogens which at excessive levels can cause Blue baby syndrome.
• Lead – This heavy metal finds its way into our drinking water supplies between initial treatment & point of usage from old pipes or lead solder used in joining new piping systems. Lead contaminated water poses a serious health risk to all ages, including learning difficulties, behavioral problems, mental & physical retardation, hypertension, strokes & heart disease. Lead poisoning can take years before the effects can be detected but often the damage is already done.
• Aluminium – There are clear links between Aluminium & Alzheimer’s Disease. Aluminium also raises the acidity of water allowing it to absorb greater levels of lead, cadmium, copper & other heavy metals from piping systems.
• Mercury – More likely to effect people that use a natural water source it can cause ulcers, skin irritations, dental problems, internal bleeding, liver & kidney damage.
• Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – Originating from cast iron or mild steel pipelines which have been treated with asphalt or bitumen coating to prevent corrosion & are believed to be carcinogenic.
• Fluoride – Added to many of Australia’s water sources to reduce tooth cavities. The addition of fluoride to municipal water is banned in many nations & it is debated as being in contradiction of the Geneva Convention, as being mass medication without prescription. Linked to many long-term health defects. In high doses is lethal.
• Cadmium – Like lead accumulates in the body over a long period & may cause stomach cramps, kidney & liver damage. 
• Trihalomethanes – Strong poisonous compounds formed by organic chemicals reacting with chlorine treated drinking water. Responsible for around 10 percent of rectal & bladder cancers according to The American Journal of Public Health.

Is Bottled Water the Solution?

Unfortunately, bottled water is not a safe alternative. Recent studies show that many bottled water brands are also contaminated with microplastics and PFAS. In fact, one study found that a single liter of bottled water could contain over 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. These microplastics pose additional health and environmental risks, including pollution in landfills and oceans.

What Can You Do?

The best way to protect yourself from PFAS and other nasties is to invest in a quality water filtration system. According to experts, water filters that use granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resins, or reverse osmosis are highly effective in removing PFAS from tap water—up to 99.9% of these chemicals.

While some public water systems in Australia are working to implement better filtration technology, many still don’t have the resources to ensure water safety. If you’re on bore water, it may also contain high levels of PFAS. Installing a home water filtration system is the most effective way to ensure clean, safe drinking water.

What to Look for in a Water Filter

When choosing a water filter, consider the following:

• Proven Technology: Ensure the filter has been rigorously tested and certified to meet the highest water purification standards.
• Long-Term Savings: A high-quality filter can save you money in the long run compared to buying bottled water.
• Health Benefits: Good filters remove harmful contaminants, enhance water taste, and may even improve hydration and wellness.
• Sustainability: By reducing plastic waste, water filters contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable lifestyle.

The risk from PFAS and other harmful chemicals in your water is real and growing. Don’t wait for the crisis to hit your doorstep—take action now to protect you and your loved ones. Investing in a water filtration system is one of the best steps you can take for your health and well-being.