Couples hoping to start a family are being urged to filter their tap water after dangerous forever chemicals or PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were found to reduce fertility.
The man-made chemicals, which are often still used in non-stick pans and food packaging, have been detected in drinking water at trace levels across Australia.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tap water chemicals linked to fertility issues
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
While tap water is deemed safe to drink, new research from Adelaide University claims the chemicals in it are harming our health in ways previously unknown.
“Even the very low levels that are present in drinking water do have detectable effects,” Professor Rebecca Robker said.
A study on mice found that trace levels of PFAS, a cancer-causing chemical, are significantly impacting fertility.
“I was quite surprised to see that even these very low levels of PFAS could actually negatively impact the embryos,” researcher Yasmyn Stanley said.
The study revealed the chemicals caused high levels of DNA damage and stress, potentially leading to long-term health issues and miscarriage.
Worse still, the impacts were seen across generations, even in mice that hadn’t directly consumed the contaminated water.
“These effects are transgenerational because the foetus was also exposed to those drinking water levels,” Robker said.
“I think that we do need some more attention to our safe water drinking guidelines,” added Stanley.
The good news is the Adelaide University study found carbon filters can remove the PFAs altogether.
But tap water is just one of the ways Australians are exposed to PFAs daily. The forever chemicals are also found in packaging, upholstery, skincare, food and anything that’s non-stick.
“It is a concern. Everyone should try to limit their exposure for their own long-term health,” Robker said.
Top cop’s warning to prosecutors about plea deals for killers
2 min read
Queen Mary of Denmark’s father dies aged 84 in Tasmania
1 min read
