The Metropolitan Firefighters Brigade is funding a world-first study that aims to reduce PFAS levels in blood.
The Macquarie University study is seeking to discover if an intervention program involving whole blood donation every 12 weeks or plasma donation every six weeks over a 52-week period can reduce PFAS levels in firefighters' blood.
Chair of the government's PFAS sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, John McVeigh said the $1.2million study would hopefully provide a feasible and practical solution to the occupational hazards of firefighting.
"However, this unique study may help all those affected by PFAS, as research into its potential health impacts continues," he said.
- Banks will still not lend to property owners in the Red Zone
- Government says elevated blood PFAS levels are "meaningless"
Meanwhile, Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said the sub committee's latest progress report highlighted the government's failure to adequately deal with PFAS contamination.
The committee recommended that the government prioritise assisting property owners and businesses in affected areas through compensation for financial losses associated with contamination coming from Defence bases, including the possibility of buy-backs."
Senator Faruqi said the nation-wide damage caused by PFAS chemicals had been extensive and people had suffered for too long.
"The government has not done enough to adequately deal with PFAS contamination. Financial compensation must be provided for residents and property owners, including buy-backs," she said.
"Communities are still concerned about the lack of consistency and a piecemeal approach to PFAS management. They have ongoing worries regarding contamination on non-Commonwealth sites.
She accused the government of "dragging its heels" on banning the use of PFAS across the country.
"We know the alternatives exist, they just aren't being used," she said.
"I want to thank and acknowledge community members and community groups across the country who have been organising on PFAS contamination and compensation issues."
IN THE NEWS:
- Facebook threatens to stop Australians sharing news articles on its platform
- Coronavirus: Merewether teacher Layne Wiseman is stuck in the UK due to passenger cap on flights to Australia
- 13 new COVID-19 cases in NSW, border to soften with Victoria says Premier Gladys Berejiklian
- Additional charges for allegedly impersonating medical professional
