According to experts, Australians should use filters after it was discovered that tap water in certain areas of the country has dangerous levels of chemicals that can cause cancer.
According to reports, the contaminants, which include perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, have been found in every region and state.
According to authorities in the US, the contaminants found in Australian water are probably carcinogenic.
Dr. Mariann Lloyd-Smith noted that these chemicals are known to cause various health conditions, such as liver and kidney disease.
In the US, the companies that make these chemicals have been compensating people who got sick due to their exposure to these chemicals.
However, Australian regulators have denied the evidence showing that these chemicals cause cancer. She urged Australians to use filters and noted that the government should help people pay for them.
Following the US EPA’s policy shift in April, which indicated that the use of certain chemicals in drinking water could be harmful, several newspapers reported that the government should conduct a comprehensive testing of the water supply in Australia.
The WHO also stated in December that the use of PFOA could cause cancer.
The two chemicals that are being investigated are part of a group of substances known as PFAS, which are long-lasting chemicals that can persist in the body for years.
According to the newspapers, the chemicals have been detected in the drinking water of around 1.8 million people since 2010.
This includes areas in Sydney’s northern and western suburbs, as well as the regional centers of Newcastle, Blacktown, Yass, and Wagga.
Contaminated water has also been detected in areas such as Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Footscray and in the city of Adelaide.
According to Dr. Lloyd-Smith, it’s not yet clear how much of the chemical individuals should consume to affect their health.
Regulators in the US stated that there’s no safe level of exposure.
However, she noted that people can still be exposed to these chemicals through various products.
Even tea bags can contain these chemicals.
According to Dr. Nicholas Chartres, a University of Sydney researcher, the US standard for these chemicals is lower than what’s found in Australia.
However, he noted that filters can help reduce the levels of these chemicals in the water.
He also advised people to drink bottled water, though he admitted that this could lead to health problems.