‘Forever chemicals' found in blood of 97 per cent of Victorians
The synthetic chemicals – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are found in everyday products ranging from the linings of take-away coffee cups and pizza boxes to carpets and non-stick cookware. Once consumed, they take many years to exit the body.
On Tuesday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released national and state-level data about the prevalence of 11 types of PFAS in the Australian population and found it is almost universally detectable in people.
The data was also broken down by sex and age, with PFAS concentrations in blood slightly higher in men than in women and gradually increasing from childhood to old age, peaking at age 75 and over. Data was gathered between 2022 and 2024.
The findings were 'in line with expectations' as use of PFAS within products peaked between the 1980s and the early 2000s but has since fallen through efforts to reduce its usage.
'As a result, older people have been exposed to more PFAS in the past, before the decrease in use of these chemicals. This historical exposure, combined with the long elimination half-lives of many PFAS, means that levels of PFAS are likely to be higher in older people,' the ABS said.
In Victoria, PFAS was detected in 97.3 per cent of people, just above the national level of 97.1 per cent. Tasmanians had the highest levels (98.9 per cent) and Northern Territorians the lowest (91.2 per cent).
Stuart Khan, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales, said the results were 'shocking but not surprising' and broadly in line with results from studies in other countries such as the United States.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
I worked as a doctor on the ground in Gaza. Here's how Australia could change lives
The 25,000 in Melbourne and 100,000 in Sydney, who, on Sunday all marched for Palestine - can't be wrong. Add in those elsewhere across Australia who massed to support Palestine, to end the hunger and death there, and you have an idea of the strength of people's commitment to ending the conflict. The situation in Gaza is now as potent and widespread a political issue as it was when the "Free David Hicks" campaign saw his face in windows and on lawns across the country. The only Australian to ever be incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay on terrorism charges, the public outcry over his imprisonment saw the then prime minister, John Howard, face enormous pressure to bring him home, and he did. Our PM, Anthony Albanese, is facing similar pressure now that countries like the UK, Canada and France have all committed to recognise Palestine as a state. He wants to wait, and he and the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, have their reasons. But regardless, it is clear that the Australian public will continue to push for stronger action against what is happening in Gaza than pure rhetoric. Perhaps there is an answer to that, a way to make Australians feel that their government reflects their frustration with the Gaza situation, and one which promotes Australia's global leadership, without being overly political, in this most politicised of situations. There is currently in Jordan, just across the border with Gaza, a fully functioning mobile maternity and neonatal hospital. Set up by the charity, Pious Projects USA, the hospital would take a mere seven days from the moment it sets down to when it is operational, staffed by Jordanian healthcare workers. It's a hospital that even the Israelis can't or shouldn't object to. It has its plumbing incorporated into its above-ground structure, so there are no tunnels that the Israeli Defence Forces often cite as a fear for harbouring militants. And - way more importantly - the hospital offers real hope to the 50,000 pregnant women who, according to ActionAid Palestine, have no access to functioning hospitals, prenatal care, basic medicines, ultrasounds and safe deliveries. Many of them are having caesarean sections without anaesthesia. In some cases, women bleed to death during childbirth, and there are no incubators for babies born prematurely. The Israelis may prevent food and water from crossing into Gaza from Jordan, because of fears insurgents will hijack it - but surely allowing the set-up of a fully operational maternity hospital, with Jordanian staff, would be an apolitical act, and one that would resonate with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups globally. But consider an even greater act - and one that is led by Australia. The same template for the maternity hospital could be translated into a Children's Hospital in Gaza with Pious Projects USA ready to roll out just such a venture. Imagine an Australian Children's Hospital, in Khan Younis, in Southern Gaza. The facility could be operational within months - with 100 beds, designated neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, emergency and surgical care departments, rehabilitation, and trauma-informed care services. It would be run by a consortium of countries including the UK, Canada, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, and led by Australia. The Indonesian government has already offered support due to their experience in building and operationalising the Indonesian Hospital in Bait Lahia in the Gaza Strip. A Children's Hospital in Gaza must be run by a number of countries as custodians of the hospital. With the imprimatur and support of nation states like Australia, a Children's Hospital would surely be safe from bombing, if for no other reason than the global outrage against Israel would be enormous if it did so. Recently the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, pledged his government's support on the floor of the UK Parliament and the Irish government has given its commitment to a children's hospital. Conversations are happening at levels with the Canadian and New Zealand governments as well. Australia as the chance to join, even lead this. Remember a children's cospital in Gaza is not just for now - it will be part of the rebuilding process when peace comes to the region, a training hub for the next generation of Palestinian doctors, attracting healthcare workers to a region where Palestinian health care workers, those that remain alive, are exhausted. On Sunday, Australians showed they want their government to assist in the peace process. Leading a push for a children's hospital is surely a start. The 25,000 in Melbourne and 100,000 in Sydney, who, on Sunday all marched for Palestine - can't be wrong. Add in those elsewhere across Australia who massed to support Palestine, to end the hunger and death there, and you have an idea of the strength of people's commitment to ending the conflict. The situation in Gaza is now as potent and widespread a political issue as it was when the "Free David Hicks" campaign saw his face in windows and on lawns across the country. The only Australian to ever be incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay on terrorism charges, the public outcry over his imprisonment saw the then prime minister, John Howard, face enormous pressure to bring him home, and he did. Our PM, Anthony Albanese, is facing similar pressure now that countries like the UK, Canada and France have all committed to recognise Palestine as a state. He wants to wait, and he and the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, have their reasons. But regardless, it is clear that the Australian public will continue to push for stronger action against what is happening in Gaza than pure rhetoric. Perhaps there is an answer to that, a way to make Australians feel that their government reflects their frustration with the Gaza situation, and one which promotes Australia's global leadership, without being overly political, in this most politicised of situations. There is currently in Jordan, just across the border with Gaza, a fully functioning mobile maternity and neonatal hospital. Set up by the charity, Pious Projects USA, the hospital would take a mere seven days from the moment it sets down to when it is operational, staffed by Jordanian healthcare workers. It's a hospital that even the Israelis can't or shouldn't object to. It has its plumbing incorporated into its above-ground structure, so there are no tunnels that the Israeli Defence Forces often cite as a fear for harbouring militants. And - way more importantly - the hospital offers real hope to the 50,000 pregnant women who, according to ActionAid Palestine, have no access to functioning hospitals, prenatal care, basic medicines, ultrasounds and safe deliveries. Many of them are having caesarean sections without anaesthesia. In some cases, women bleed to death during childbirth, and there are no incubators for babies born prematurely. The Israelis may prevent food and water from crossing into Gaza from Jordan, because of fears insurgents will hijack it - but surely allowing the set-up of a fully operational maternity hospital, with Jordanian staff, would be an apolitical act, and one that would resonate with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups globally. But consider an even greater act - and one that is led by Australia. The same template for the maternity hospital could be translated into a Children's Hospital in Gaza with Pious Projects USA ready to roll out just such a venture. Imagine an Australian Children's Hospital, in Khan Younis, in Southern Gaza. The facility could be operational within months - with 100 beds, designated neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, emergency and surgical care departments, rehabilitation, and trauma-informed care services. It would be run by a consortium of countries including the UK, Canada, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, and led by Australia. The Indonesian government has already offered support due to their experience in building and operationalising the Indonesian Hospital in Bait Lahia in the Gaza Strip. A Children's Hospital in Gaza must be run by a number of countries as custodians of the hospital. With the imprimatur and support of nation states like Australia, a Children's Hospital would surely be safe from bombing, if for no other reason than the global outrage against Israel would be enormous if it did so. Recently the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, pledged his government's support on the floor of the UK Parliament and the Irish government has given its commitment to a children's hospital. Conversations are happening at levels with the Canadian and New Zealand governments as well. Australia as the chance to join, even lead this. Remember a children's cospital in Gaza is not just for now - it will be part of the rebuilding process when peace comes to the region, a training hub for the next generation of Palestinian doctors, attracting healthcare workers to a region where Palestinian health care workers, those that remain alive, are exhausted. On Sunday, Australians showed they want their government to assist in the peace process. Leading a push for a children's hospital is surely a start. The 25,000 in Melbourne and 100,000 in Sydney, who, on Sunday all marched for Palestine - can't be wrong. Add in those elsewhere across Australia who massed to support Palestine, to end the hunger and death there, and you have an idea of the strength of people's commitment to ending the conflict. The situation in Gaza is now as potent and widespread a political issue as it was when the "Free David Hicks" campaign saw his face in windows and on lawns across the country. The only Australian to ever be incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay on terrorism charges, the public outcry over his imprisonment saw the then prime minister, John Howard, face enormous pressure to bring him home, and he did. Our PM, Anthony Albanese, is facing similar pressure now that countries like the UK, Canada and France have all committed to recognise Palestine as a state. He wants to wait, and he and the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, have their reasons. But regardless, it is clear that the Australian public will continue to push for stronger action against what is happening in Gaza than pure rhetoric. Perhaps there is an answer to that, a way to make Australians feel that their government reflects their frustration with the Gaza situation, and one which promotes Australia's global leadership, without being overly political, in this most politicised of situations. There is currently in Jordan, just across the border with Gaza, a fully functioning mobile maternity and neonatal hospital. Set up by the charity, Pious Projects USA, the hospital would take a mere seven days from the moment it sets down to when it is operational, staffed by Jordanian healthcare workers. It's a hospital that even the Israelis can't or shouldn't object to. It has its plumbing incorporated into its above-ground structure, so there are no tunnels that the Israeli Defence Forces often cite as a fear for harbouring militants. And - way more importantly - the hospital offers real hope to the 50,000 pregnant women who, according to ActionAid Palestine, have no access to functioning hospitals, prenatal care, basic medicines, ultrasounds and safe deliveries. Many of them are having caesarean sections without anaesthesia. In some cases, women bleed to death during childbirth, and there are no incubators for babies born prematurely. The Israelis may prevent food and water from crossing into Gaza from Jordan, because of fears insurgents will hijack it - but surely allowing the set-up of a fully operational maternity hospital, with Jordanian staff, would be an apolitical act, and one that would resonate with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups globally. But consider an even greater act - and one that is led by Australia. The same template for the maternity hospital could be translated into a Children's Hospital in Gaza with Pious Projects USA ready to roll out just such a venture. Imagine an Australian Children's Hospital, in Khan Younis, in Southern Gaza. The facility could be operational within months - with 100 beds, designated neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, emergency and surgical care departments, rehabilitation, and trauma-informed care services. It would be run by a consortium of countries including the UK, Canada, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, and led by Australia. The Indonesian government has already offered support due to their experience in building and operationalising the Indonesian Hospital in Bait Lahia in the Gaza Strip. A Children's Hospital in Gaza must be run by a number of countries as custodians of the hospital. With the imprimatur and support of nation states like Australia, a Children's Hospital would surely be safe from bombing, if for no other reason than the global outrage against Israel would be enormous if it did so. Recently the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, pledged his government's support on the floor of the UK Parliament and the Irish government has given its commitment to a children's hospital. Conversations are happening at levels with the Canadian and New Zealand governments as well. Australia as the chance to join, even lead this. Remember a children's cospital in Gaza is not just for now - it will be part of the rebuilding process when peace comes to the region, a training hub for the next generation of Palestinian doctors, attracting healthcare workers to a region where Palestinian health care workers, those that remain alive, are exhausted. On Sunday, Australians showed they want their government to assist in the peace process. Leading a push for a children's hospital is surely a start. The 25,000 in Melbourne and 100,000 in Sydney, who, on Sunday all marched for Palestine - can't be wrong. Add in those elsewhere across Australia who massed to support Palestine, to end the hunger and death there, and you have an idea of the strength of people's commitment to ending the conflict. The situation in Gaza is now as potent and widespread a political issue as it was when the "Free David Hicks" campaign saw his face in windows and on lawns across the country. The only Australian to ever be incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay on terrorism charges, the public outcry over his imprisonment saw the then prime minister, John Howard, face enormous pressure to bring him home, and he did. Our PM, Anthony Albanese, is facing similar pressure now that countries like the UK, Canada and France have all committed to recognise Palestine as a state. He wants to wait, and he and the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, have their reasons. But regardless, it is clear that the Australian public will continue to push for stronger action against what is happening in Gaza than pure rhetoric. Perhaps there is an answer to that, a way to make Australians feel that their government reflects their frustration with the Gaza situation, and one which promotes Australia's global leadership, without being overly political, in this most politicised of situations. There is currently in Jordan, just across the border with Gaza, a fully functioning mobile maternity and neonatal hospital. Set up by the charity, Pious Projects USA, the hospital would take a mere seven days from the moment it sets down to when it is operational, staffed by Jordanian healthcare workers. It's a hospital that even the Israelis can't or shouldn't object to. It has its plumbing incorporated into its above-ground structure, so there are no tunnels that the Israeli Defence Forces often cite as a fear for harbouring militants. And - way more importantly - the hospital offers real hope to the 50,000 pregnant women who, according to ActionAid Palestine, have no access to functioning hospitals, prenatal care, basic medicines, ultrasounds and safe deliveries. Many of them are having caesarean sections without anaesthesia. In some cases, women bleed to death during childbirth, and there are no incubators for babies born prematurely. The Israelis may prevent food and water from crossing into Gaza from Jordan, because of fears insurgents will hijack it - but surely allowing the set-up of a fully operational maternity hospital, with Jordanian staff, would be an apolitical act, and one that would resonate with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups globally. But consider an even greater act - and one that is led by Australia. The same template for the maternity hospital could be translated into a Children's Hospital in Gaza with Pious Projects USA ready to roll out just such a venture. Imagine an Australian Children's Hospital, in Khan Younis, in Southern Gaza. The facility could be operational within months - with 100 beds, designated neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, emergency and surgical care departments, rehabilitation, and trauma-informed care services. It would be run by a consortium of countries including the UK, Canada, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, and led by Australia. The Indonesian government has already offered support due to their experience in building and operationalising the Indonesian Hospital in Bait Lahia in the Gaza Strip. A Children's Hospital in Gaza must be run by a number of countries as custodians of the hospital. With the imprimatur and support of nation states like Australia, a Children's Hospital would surely be safe from bombing, if for no other reason than the global outrage against Israel would be enormous if it did so. Recently the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, pledged his government's support on the floor of the UK Parliament and the Irish government has given its commitment to a children's hospital. Conversations are happening at levels with the Canadian and New Zealand governments as well. Australia as the chance to join, even lead this. Remember a children's cospital in Gaza is not just for now - it will be part of the rebuilding process when peace comes to the region, a training hub for the next generation of Palestinian doctors, attracting healthcare workers to a region where Palestinian health care workers, those that remain alive, are exhausted. On Sunday, Australians showed they want their government to assist in the peace process. Leading a push for a children's hospital is surely a start.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Boat reverses over Aussie teen in Thai snorkelling disaster
An Australian teenager has narrowly survived a terrifying ordeal while on a family holiday in Thailand. Kiah Bell-Parsons was snorkelling near the popular tourist destination of Phi Phi Island with her mother, Nat and sister, Kelsie, when the horrific incident occurred. After visiting multiple locations in search of the perfect snorkelling spot, the tour guide assured the family it was safe to swim. But moments after they entered the water, tragedy struck unexpectedly when another boat reversed over the 13-year-old. 'The boat let them out to snorkel, and while I don't know Phi Phi island, where she was let out to snorkel was very busy with boats,' family friend, Gabrielle Brennan, revealed to 'Nat was still on the during that time, another boat reversed over Kiah while she was snorkelling. 'Kiah was face down in the water and there was just so much blood. At that point, Nat thought she (Kiah) was dead.' The Sydney teen, who suffered two skull fractures, a broken eye socket and was vomiting blood at one point, was initially taken to a local medical centre on the island for stitches before being transferred to a hospital on the mainland. However, due to a significant language barrier, Kiah was moved to a private hospital. According to Ms Brennan, staff at the facility wouldn't begin treatment without first receiving confirmation of payment. Ms Brennan, who is involved in Kiah's netball club, has launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs of her medical treatment. Just over $28,000 has been raised from 326 donations, almost reaching the $30,000 goal. 'Kiah is not just a valued member of our netball community; she is also the sister of Kelsie and daughter of Nat, both of whom have been active and inspiring members of our netball club,' the message on GoFundMe reads. 'This is a tough time for them, and I believe that coming together as a team can provide some comfort and support. 'Let's show Kiah and her family that they are not alone in this difficult journey, and that we stand with them as a united community.' The incident has raised serious questions about why the group was allowed to enter the water without any supervision or safety personnel monitoring tourists in the area. Ms Brennan said: 'Because the company had said 'yes, it's ok to snorkel', Nat assumed it was safe and let the girls go into the water. It was close to the shore, and she is now frustrated that nobody was monitoring tourists swimming while the boat was anchored.'
The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Migraine misery ails one in three Australian women
Kate May experienced years of severe pain, fatigue, nausea and other debilitating symptoms before receiving a migraine diagnosis. "Two years ago, I was struggling to walk," the 30-year-old told AAP. "I was in hospital a lot, just being able to make enough money to pay bills was nearly impossible." Ms May described her diagnosis as life-changing and now works toward doing what she loves, such as playing sport. A survey reveals one in three Australian women live with migraine, the leading cause of disability for women aged 18-49. The data was collected by health organisation Jean Hailes for Women's Health, in partnership with Migraine and Headache Australia. It is the first to provide an analysis of the rate of Australian women experiencing migraines, and reveals the condition as one of the top contributors to the health gap facing women. Migraine is a common brain condition that causes moderate to severe attacks, with symptoms including sensitivity to light, smell or noise. Ms May was diagnosed with chronic migraine, a subtype of the condition that causes at least 15 attacks per month. Her symptoms meant she struggled to work or continue her hobbies as a keen swimmer and traveller. But her diagnosis two years ago helped her regain control of her life. "It's slow progress, but it's definitely a huge progress," she said. "I wouldn't be where I was today without that diagnosis and access to care." More than half of women surveyed reported significant impacts from migraine in their work, physical health and mental health. Jean Hailes chief executive Sarah White said women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine and the condition hits hardest in their thirties, right when they are building their careers, families and futures. "The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society," she said. Less than half of women told the survey they had a positive experience seeking a migraine diagnosis, while most received a diagnosis in less than two years. Many reported challenges once diagnosed in finding treatment that worked for them. Migraine research, funding and support lag far behind other health conditions and more must be done for affected women, Migraine and Headache Australia chief Carl Cincinnato said. Kate May experienced years of severe pain, fatigue, nausea and other debilitating symptoms before receiving a migraine diagnosis. "Two years ago, I was struggling to walk," the 30-year-old told AAP. "I was in hospital a lot, just being able to make enough money to pay bills was nearly impossible." Ms May described her diagnosis as life-changing and now works toward doing what she loves, such as playing sport. A survey reveals one in three Australian women live with migraine, the leading cause of disability for women aged 18-49. The data was collected by health organisation Jean Hailes for Women's Health, in partnership with Migraine and Headache Australia. It is the first to provide an analysis of the rate of Australian women experiencing migraines, and reveals the condition as one of the top contributors to the health gap facing women. Migraine is a common brain condition that causes moderate to severe attacks, with symptoms including sensitivity to light, smell or noise. Ms May was diagnosed with chronic migraine, a subtype of the condition that causes at least 15 attacks per month. Her symptoms meant she struggled to work or continue her hobbies as a keen swimmer and traveller. But her diagnosis two years ago helped her regain control of her life. "It's slow progress, but it's definitely a huge progress," she said. "I wouldn't be where I was today without that diagnosis and access to care." More than half of women surveyed reported significant impacts from migraine in their work, physical health and mental health. Jean Hailes chief executive Sarah White said women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine and the condition hits hardest in their thirties, right when they are building their careers, families and futures. "The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society," she said. Less than half of women told the survey they had a positive experience seeking a migraine diagnosis, while most received a diagnosis in less than two years. Many reported challenges once diagnosed in finding treatment that worked for them. Migraine research, funding and support lag far behind other health conditions and more must be done for affected women, Migraine and Headache Australia chief Carl Cincinnato said. Kate May experienced years of severe pain, fatigue, nausea and other debilitating symptoms before receiving a migraine diagnosis. "Two years ago, I was struggling to walk," the 30-year-old told AAP. "I was in hospital a lot, just being able to make enough money to pay bills was nearly impossible." Ms May described her diagnosis as life-changing and now works toward doing what she loves, such as playing sport. A survey reveals one in three Australian women live with migraine, the leading cause of disability for women aged 18-49. The data was collected by health organisation Jean Hailes for Women's Health, in partnership with Migraine and Headache Australia. It is the first to provide an analysis of the rate of Australian women experiencing migraines, and reveals the condition as one of the top contributors to the health gap facing women. Migraine is a common brain condition that causes moderate to severe attacks, with symptoms including sensitivity to light, smell or noise. Ms May was diagnosed with chronic migraine, a subtype of the condition that causes at least 15 attacks per month. Her symptoms meant she struggled to work or continue her hobbies as a keen swimmer and traveller. But her diagnosis two years ago helped her regain control of her life. "It's slow progress, but it's definitely a huge progress," she said. "I wouldn't be where I was today without that diagnosis and access to care." More than half of women surveyed reported significant impacts from migraine in their work, physical health and mental health. Jean Hailes chief executive Sarah White said women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine and the condition hits hardest in their thirties, right when they are building their careers, families and futures. "The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society," she said. Less than half of women told the survey they had a positive experience seeking a migraine diagnosis, while most received a diagnosis in less than two years. Many reported challenges once diagnosed in finding treatment that worked for them. Migraine research, funding and support lag far behind other health conditions and more must be done for affected women, Migraine and Headache Australia chief Carl Cincinnato said. Kate May experienced years of severe pain, fatigue, nausea and other debilitating symptoms before receiving a migraine diagnosis. "Two years ago, I was struggling to walk," the 30-year-old told AAP. "I was in hospital a lot, just being able to make enough money to pay bills was nearly impossible." Ms May described her diagnosis as life-changing and now works toward doing what she loves, such as playing sport. A survey reveals one in three Australian women live with migraine, the leading cause of disability for women aged 18-49. The data was collected by health organisation Jean Hailes for Women's Health, in partnership with Migraine and Headache Australia. It is the first to provide an analysis of the rate of Australian women experiencing migraines, and reveals the condition as one of the top contributors to the health gap facing women. Migraine is a common brain condition that causes moderate to severe attacks, with symptoms including sensitivity to light, smell or noise. Ms May was diagnosed with chronic migraine, a subtype of the condition that causes at least 15 attacks per month. Her symptoms meant she struggled to work or continue her hobbies as a keen swimmer and traveller. But her diagnosis two years ago helped her regain control of her life. "It's slow progress, but it's definitely a huge progress," she said. "I wouldn't be where I was today without that diagnosis and access to care." More than half of women surveyed reported significant impacts from migraine in their work, physical health and mental health. Jean Hailes chief executive Sarah White said women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine and the condition hits hardest in their thirties, right when they are building their careers, families and futures. "The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society," she said. Less than half of women told the survey they had a positive experience seeking a migraine diagnosis, while most received a diagnosis in less than two years. Many reported challenges once diagnosed in finding treatment that worked for them. Migraine research, funding and support lag far behind other health conditions and more must be done for affected women, Migraine and Headache Australia chief Carl Cincinnato said.
