One of Australia’s leading water experts has urged urgent action to tackle global PFAS contamination crisis

University of Sydney, Head of Civil engineering Professor Stuart Khan, has called for a far-reaching ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in products both inside and outside Australia. Speaking at a parliamentary inquiry in Penrith today, Khan outlined the severe environmental and financial toll of PFAS contamination, warning that the "forever chemicals" pose an escalating threat to water safety, public health, and ecosystems worldwide. 

Professor Stuart Kahn, University of Sydney, Head of Civil engineering

 Khan’s comments come as concerns mount over the widespread pollution of waterways, soils, food, and wildlife. He stressed that nearly every molecule of PFAS ever created remains in the environment today, with many chemicals breaking down into newer forms of PFAS, continuing the cycle of contamination. 

The inquiry comes just days after the NSW Environmental Protection authority announced it would test the Hawkesbury River at Richmond in the next few months for the deadly cancer causing chemicals. It also follows news that workers on the new Richmond Bridge will be ordered to avoid contact with the water in the river. River water will not be used for dust suppression on the project due to health fears from the river water. 

Khan said the persistent pollution caused by PFAS now jeopardises the availability of safe, affordable drinking water, particularly in countries like the United States, where the cost to address PFAS contamination in wastewater alone could run into the billions. "Increasingly low levels of PFAS are now being deemed necessary for safe drinking water, yet reports of contamination are escalating," Khan said. 

"We risk the entire concept of affordable, safe tap water being undermined." The financial cost of PFAS clean-up efforts is staggering. Khan cited a report estimating that removing PFAS from the environment in the US could cost more than $50 billion over 20 years. 

In Australia, where treatment facilities are less equipped, the costs would likely be far greater. These costs would eventually be passed on to consumers, Khan noted, calling this practice "the opposite of the polluter pays principle." 

 To address the growing crisis, Khan urged the Australian Government to expand regulations, particularly by banning a broader range of PFAS chemicals. 

"We need to include more substances on the IChEMS register and ensure better testing of consumer products for chemical residues," he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a national body to regulate chemical contamination and enhance scientific research into PFAS alternatives and removal technologies. 

 Khan’s proposals also included a call for stronger action on water management. He recommended the creation of an Australian Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure consistent application of best practices in water quality management across the country. 

 "If we continue to allow these chemicals to be used in products without proper oversight, the cost will be borne by all of us," he warned. "It’s time for Australia to take a much more proactive role in chemical regulation and protect future generations from these toxic substances." 

 The urgent call to action comes as the global community grapples with the challenge of managing PFAS contamination, a problem that will require coordinated efforts, stricter regulations, and significant investment in new technologies to mitigate the damage caused by these persistent chemicals.