PFAS are considered “forever chemicals” because they build up over time, they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies, and they repel water, oil and stains. Most PFAS are industrial pollutants which are man-made chemicals used in the production of certain products. These pollutants are released into the environment through landfill sites where materials containing PFAS are sent for disposal and into ground and surface water via sewer discharges and contamination from fire-fighting foams. PFAS are increasingly being found in wildlife, fish and humans although they are not naturally occurring in the environment. Research into the health risks of exposure to PFAS has been conducted with findings showing an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, non-hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid cancer, and childhood leukaemia. Further health effects have been recently discovered including liver damage, decreased fertility in women, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease. Whilst countries around the globe are working to ban PFAS entirely, why is it still in our drinking water?

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic chemical that is found in the Earth’s crust and is mainly used for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries for cars, but also pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, ammunition, jewellery and many other items. Lead can contaminate water supply through plumbing systems like lead pipes, solders and fittings. Lead is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones, and it is stored in the teeth and bones where it can accumulate over time. Exposure to lead is particularly harmful to children and women of child bearing age. For children, high levels of lead can severely damage their brain and central nervous system during development causing comas, convulsions and even death. The children that fortunately survive lead poisoning are burdened with permanent intellectual disability and behavioural disorders. Several studies have shown a link between lead exposure and anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity and toxicity to the reproductive organs. Just in 2021, lead exposure accounted for more than 1.5 million deaths globally due to its harmful cardiovascular effects. If it is banned in paints, toys and candles; why is it still in our drinking water?

The use, sale and import of asbestos was banned in 2003 in Australia. Prior to the ban, the group of naturally occurring mineral fibres was used in over 3000 products including construction materials and vehicles. The ban came as a result of a plethora of research that found asbestos to be carcinogenic, and the cause of asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestos related pleural diseases (ARPDs) in workers that were exposed in their line of work. Symptoms of these health conditions may not even appear until decades after initial exposure. Asbestos is present in Australia’s water network due to asbestos cement piping. Alarmingly, Australian drinking is not routinely monitored for asbestos, hence, the concentration of this toxic mineral is unknown. While we are assured that the impact of asbestos in our water supply has been investigated and that there’s no increased risk of asbestos-related diseases from drinking it, we are left with a lingering question: if it is banned in construction, why is it still in our drinking
water?

Arsenic, the number one chemical of public health concern as per WHO, is widely found in our drinking water. Whilst arsenic is safe to consume at low levels, consumption in high quantities and over a long period of time can increase the risk of pigmented skin lesions, skin cancer, vascular disease, damage to the nervous system and organ cancer. This is due to arsenic’s damaging effects on the human body’s blood vessels and nerves. Arsenic, unlike fluoride, holds no health benefits when consumed at low concentrations so why is it still in our drinking water?

Most Australian plumbing consists of copper piping. Whilst copper piping is great for longevity, durability and recyclability, consumption of high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. Long term, copper consumption can cause liver and kidney damage, and an ingestion of extremely high levels of copper can be fatal. The body requires copper to keep the immune system healthy, however, 90% of our body’s copper requirement is achieved via the food we consume and well under 10% is from the water we drink. This leaves us with the same question; why is it still in our drinking water?

Chlorine is added into our water supply as it aids in the killing of harmful organisms like viruses and bacteria. At low concentrations such as that in our drinking water, chlorine is non-toxic to humans and works as a great disinfectant. We are consistently told that drinking a little bit of chlorine will not pose any long term health threats, however, the Australian Government only began chlorinating our water supply in the 1980’s. The long term health effects, despite the low quantity, cannot be properly investigated in just 40 years. Whilst most individuals barely notice the taste or smell of chlorine in our water, a small number of people experience skin irritation from the chemical. As almost 4% of Australia’s population suffers from long term skin conditions, it is of great importance that this is closely monitored and managed.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral utilised globally to reduce the incidence of tooth decay and cavities and strengthen the tooth enamel. Calcium fluoride is also found in our teeth and bones naturally. Fluoride is safe to consume in small concentrations as seen in toothpaste and mouthwash but in excess can have long term health effects. Excess fluoride consumption can lead to dental fluorosis or crippling skeletal fluorosis which subsequently leads to osteosclerosis, calcification of tendons and ligaments, and bone deformities. This is of higher concern in countries of the world that are hotter in temperature such as Australia where water consumption is higher. By using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in conjunction with regular visits to the dentist, this can be avoided entirely.