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'Children are being poisoned': fury at scandal of toxic firefighting chemicals 'Children are being poisoned': fury at scandal of toxic firefighting chemicals
(6 months later)
Medical risks have been known since 2003, but people living near defence bases fear delay and inaction have compromised their health, livelihoods and property values • Support our independent journalism by giving a one-off or monthly contribution.
Christopher Knaus
Tue 25 Jul 2017 19.00 BST
Last modified on Wed 11 Oct 2017 03.55 BST
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The suited men are a jarring presence in Williamtown’s toxic red zone.The suited men are a jarring presence in Williamtown’s toxic red zone.
They look odd, out of place as they cross the cattle grid on to Len O’Connell’s farm in the rural suburb in New South Wales’s Hunter region.They look odd, out of place as they cross the cattle grid on to Len O’Connell’s farm in the rural suburb in New South Wales’s Hunter region.
It’s late autumn, and the staffers and bureaucrats are here for a meeting in a backyard shed.It’s late autumn, and the staffers and bureaucrats are here for a meeting in a backyard shed.
Their boss, defence minister Marise Payne, is listening to a dozen or so locals explain the impact of the toxic firefighting chemicals used on the nearby Williamtown airforce base for about 40 years.Their boss, defence minister Marise Payne, is listening to a dozen or so locals explain the impact of the toxic firefighting chemicals used on the nearby Williamtown airforce base for about 40 years.
The chemicals – part of a group of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - have been found to share a probable link with cancer. They have leached into nearby waterways, accumulated in residents’ blood, destroyed the local fishing industry and sent property values tumbling.The chemicals – part of a group of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - have been found to share a probable link with cancer. They have leached into nearby waterways, accumulated in residents’ blood, destroyed the local fishing industry and sent property values tumbling.
Some of the residents at the meeting, including Sam Kelly, are beyond anger.Some of the residents at the meeting, including Sam Kelly, are beyond anger.
They are stuck in a familiar loop of hope, frustration and exhaustion. Hope that the slow wheels of the defence bureaucracy are finally moving to respond to their concerns. Frustration when words prove hollow. And exhaustion, because they have been fighting this battle for two years, while their lives unravel around them.They are stuck in a familiar loop of hope, frustration and exhaustion. Hope that the slow wheels of the defence bureaucracy are finally moving to respond to their concerns. Frustration when words prove hollow. And exhaustion, because they have been fighting this battle for two years, while their lives unravel around them.
Kelly’s one-year-old son, William, has significant levels of PFAS in his blood. This month the Newcastle Herald, which has doggedly investigated the Williamtown case, revealed her former street, Cabbage Tree Road, is home to a cancer cluster.Kelly’s one-year-old son, William, has significant levels of PFAS in his blood. This month the Newcastle Herald, which has doggedly investigated the Williamtown case, revealed her former street, Cabbage Tree Road, is home to a cancer cluster.
What more do you need to happen before you will do something?What more do you need to happen before you will do something?
Kelly wants the minister to know what she is going through. “We looked her in the eye, and I said to her, ‘now you know that children are being poisoned, babies are being born poisoned. What more do you need to happen before you will do something?’,” Kelly says.Kelly wants the minister to know what she is going through. “We looked her in the eye, and I said to her, ‘now you know that children are being poisoned, babies are being born poisoned. What more do you need to happen before you will do something?’,” Kelly says.
Something subtle changed when Payne and her entourage walked up the O’Connells’ driveway. It was the first time the minister had ventured into the red zone, a boundary encircling the worst of the area’s contamination. It’s a sign the power imbalance long stacked against Williamtown residents is shifting.Something subtle changed when Payne and her entourage walked up the O’Connells’ driveway. It was the first time the minister had ventured into the red zone, a boundary encircling the worst of the area’s contamination. It’s a sign the power imbalance long stacked against Williamtown residents is shifting.
After the formal part of the meeting is over, Payne makes her way over to Kelly. The defence minister says something that leaves her stunned.After the formal part of the meeting is over, Payne makes her way over to Kelly. The defence minister says something that leaves her stunned.
“She shook our hand and commended us for speaking and having the confidence to do so,” Kelly says. “Then she said words to the effect of ‘unfortunately in a position such as mine I’m unable to speak as freely as I would like to about the situation’.“She shook our hand and commended us for speaking and having the confidence to do so,” Kelly says. “Then she said words to the effect of ‘unfortunately in a position such as mine I’m unable to speak as freely as I would like to about the situation’.
“We took that to mean that she’s absolutely horrified but she can’t do anything. Her hands are tied.”“We took that to mean that she’s absolutely horrified but she can’t do anything. Her hands are tied.”
Asked about the encounter, Payne says she was simply sharing her frustration about the length of time residents have had to wait, including for testing, while “noting that the constraints are ones I am unable to change or make go faster”.Asked about the encounter, Payne says she was simply sharing her frustration about the length of time residents have had to wait, including for testing, while “noting that the constraints are ones I am unable to change or make go faster”.
Williamtown is ground zero in what is fast becoming a national scandal.Williamtown is ground zero in what is fast becoming a national scandal.
Guardian Australia has identified at least 94 sites where investigations into PFAS contamination are pending, active or complete. The number does not include dozens of lower priority investigations at defence sites, or any being conducted by the South Australian EPA, which has not been able to provide details.Guardian Australia has identified at least 94 sites where investigations into PFAS contamination are pending, active or complete. The number does not include dozens of lower priority investigations at defence sites, or any being conducted by the South Australian EPA, which has not been able to provide details.
Concerns have arisen virtually everywhere two chemicals – perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – were used in firefighting foam.Concerns have arisen virtually everywhere two chemicals – perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – were used in firefighting foam.
That includes metropolitan and regional airports, rural and urban firefighting stations, industrial sites and military bases. Twenty airports are being investigated, and 18 defence sites are being treated as a high priority.That includes metropolitan and regional airports, rural and urban firefighting stations, industrial sites and military bases. Twenty airports are being investigated, and 18 defence sites are being treated as a high priority.
Of those, Williamtown and the Oakey army aviation centre in Queensland are thought to be the worst affected. Earlier this month, Oakey residents followed Williamtown’s lead in launching a class action against the federal government.Of those, Williamtown and the Oakey army aviation centre in Queensland are thought to be the worst affected. Earlier this month, Oakey residents followed Williamtown’s lead in launching a class action against the federal government.
Their representative is Shine Lawyers special counsel Peter Shannon, who says residents near as many as 16 sites could take the government to court.Their representative is Shine Lawyers special counsel Peter Shannon, who says residents near as many as 16 sites could take the government to court.
“Defence has known about this problem since 2000. Almost 17 years later ... there’s enough to know there’s certainly a problem for defence,” he said.“Defence has known about this problem since 2000. Almost 17 years later ... there’s enough to know there’s certainly a problem for defence,” he said.
Map: contamination and testing sitesMap: contamination and testing sites
A toxic historyA toxic history
In the years after the second world war, a small US company named 3M began manufacturing a new substance, PFOA.In the years after the second world war, a small US company named 3M began manufacturing a new substance, PFOA.
It was hailed as a “miracle product”. The substance repels oil, grease and water, giving it applications in fighting liquid fuel fires, cookware, fabric protection and food packaging.It was hailed as a “miracle product”. The substance repels oil, grease and water, giving it applications in fighting liquid fuel fires, cookware, fabric protection and food packaging.
3M, now a multinational giant, found a major buyer in the US chemical company DuPont. 3M also had an enthusiastic importer in Australia, where firefighting services, including those attached to military bases and airports, began buying up stocks of the foam product 3M Light Water.3M, now a multinational giant, found a major buyer in the US chemical company DuPont. 3M also had an enthusiastic importer in Australia, where firefighting services, including those attached to military bases and airports, began buying up stocks of the foam product 3M Light Water.
In the US, however, DuPont and 3M were privately investigating its safety. They began tests on monkeys, rats and their own workers, often with worrying results. The chemicals were proving extremely difficult to break down in the natural environment. They bioaccumulated, or gradually built up over time in living organisms.In the US, however, DuPont and 3M were privately investigating its safety. They began tests on monkeys, rats and their own workers, often with worrying results. The chemicals were proving extremely difficult to break down in the natural environment. They bioaccumulated, or gradually built up over time in living organisms.
In 2000, 3M agreed with the US environmental protection agency that it should stop manufacturing PFAS. The US EPA said at the time that 3M’s data showed the chemical “could potentially pose a risk to human health and the environment over the long-term”.In 2000, 3M agreed with the US environmental protection agency that it should stop manufacturing PFAS. The US EPA said at the time that 3M’s data showed the chemical “could potentially pose a risk to human health and the environment over the long-term”.
The US pledged to contact foreign governments about its concerns, and two years later the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development produced a hazard assessment noting a statistically significant link with bladder cancer.The US pledged to contact foreign governments about its concerns, and two years later the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development produced a hazard assessment noting a statistically significant link with bladder cancer.
In 2001, American attorney Rob Bilott led a class action against DuPont on behalf of 70,000 residents in West Virginia and Ohio who alleged they had been poisoned after their drinking water was contaminated with PFAS. The case settled for $70m, which was used to fund what the lawyer describes as one of the most “comprehensive, extensive human health studies ever done”.In 2001, American attorney Rob Bilott led a class action against DuPont on behalf of 70,000 residents in West Virginia and Ohio who alleged they had been poisoned after their drinking water was contaminated with PFAS. The case settled for $70m, which was used to fund what the lawyer describes as one of the most “comprehensive, extensive human health studies ever done”.
The scale was immense. An independent panel of leading epidemiologists monitored data from 69,000 exposed people over seven years. The panel found a probable link with high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension.The scale was immense. An independent panel of leading epidemiologists monitored data from 69,000 exposed people over seven years. The panel found a probable link with high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Last year, the UN’s persisent organic pollutants review committee to the Stockholm convention – to which Australia is a signatory – found PFOA was likely to “lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action is warranted”.Last year, the UN’s persisent organic pollutants review committee to the Stockholm convention – to which Australia is a signatory – found PFOA was likely to “lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action is warranted”.
Australia’s response ‘severely lacking’Australia’s response ‘severely lacking’
Despite the developments abroad, 3M and Australian authorities maintain there is no consistent evidence that the chemicals cause adverse health impacts.Despite the developments abroad, 3M and Australian authorities maintain there is no consistent evidence that the chemicals cause adverse health impacts.
3M says those who causally link PFAS and cancer lack a proper understanding of the science.3M says those who causally link PFAS and cancer lack a proper understanding of the science.
“After more than 30 years of medical surveillance and epidemiological studies, 3M’s research indicates no adverse health effects in its employees resulting from occupational exposure to these compounds,” the company said last year.“After more than 30 years of medical surveillance and epidemiological studies, 3M’s research indicates no adverse health effects in its employees resulting from occupational exposure to these compounds,” the company said last year.
Australia’s assistant defence minister, Michael McCormack, took it a step further last year, telling reporters there was “no link whatsoever”.Australia’s assistant defence minister, Michael McCormack, took it a step further last year, telling reporters there was “no link whatsoever”.
It’s a strange proposition for Bilott, whose extensive work on PFAS has made him an authority in the United States. He says any notion the chemicals are not connected to adverse health effects is wrong, given the panel’s findings in the US.It’s a strange proposition for Bilott, whose extensive work on PFAS has made him an authority in the United States. He says any notion the chemicals are not connected to adverse health effects is wrong, given the panel’s findings in the US.
“Representations that there are currently no clear links between such exposures and adverse human health effects are simply not accurate,” he says.“Representations that there are currently no clear links between such exposures and adverse human health effects are simply not accurate,” he says.
More broadly, the response of federal and state authorities in Australia has been criticised as slow, disjointed and secretive by lawyers and affected families. Early warnings from federal agencies about PFAS appear to have been ignored or not properly followed up.More broadly, the response of federal and state authorities in Australia has been criticised as slow, disjointed and secretive by lawyers and affected families. Early warnings from federal agencies about PFAS appear to have been ignored or not properly followed up.
One environmental protection agency official was forced to look up PFOS and PFOA on Wikipedia.One environmental protection agency official was forced to look up PFOS and PFOA on Wikipedia.
In the early 2000s, the federal chemical assessor was liaising with international bodies about the emerging evidence of PFOS and PFOA toxicity. The body, known as the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (Nicnas), is responsible for gathering information on chemicals, making recommendations on their use and issuing alerts to the state environmental protection agencies responsible for enforcement.In the early 2000s, the federal chemical assessor was liaising with international bodies about the emerging evidence of PFOS and PFOA toxicity. The body, known as the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (Nicnas), is responsible for gathering information on chemicals, making recommendations on their use and issuing alerts to the state environmental protection agencies responsible for enforcement.
In 2003, Nicnas issued alerts to state environmental agencies on PFOS and PFOA. It warned of the growing concerns about their impact, and recommended they be used only for essential purposes where no alternative was available. The chemical was not to be used in firefighting training.In 2003, Nicnas issued alerts to state environmental agencies on PFOS and PFOA. It warned of the growing concerns about their impact, and recommended they be used only for essential purposes where no alternative was available. The chemical was not to be used in firefighting training.
Nicnas effectively wanted to see the door closed on imports and a tight leash placed on the use of remaining stocks. But in at least one state, New South Wales, the response was extraordinarily slow.Nicnas effectively wanted to see the door closed on imports and a tight leash placed on the use of remaining stocks. But in at least one state, New South Wales, the response was extraordinarily slow.
It took eight years for the NSW EPA to notify the state’s rural fire service. A review of the response, by Macquarie University professor Mark Taylor, found that even then, the issue was not followed up again until late 2015.It took eight years for the NSW EPA to notify the state’s rural fire service. A review of the response, by Macquarie University professor Mark Taylor, found that even then, the issue was not followed up again until late 2015.
“It appears that information on PFOS/PFOA provided by NICNAS ... to the NSW EPA since 2002 did not stimulate any significant early regulatory response,” Taylor’s review found.“It appears that information on PFOS/PFOA provided by NICNAS ... to the NSW EPA since 2002 did not stimulate any significant early regulatory response,” Taylor’s review found.
Even in 2012, when defence met the NSW EPA about Williamtown, members in some of the regulator’s regional offices appeared woefully unprepared. One was forced to look up PFOS and PFOA on Wikipedia, the review found.Even in 2012, when defence met the NSW EPA about Williamtown, members in some of the regulator’s regional offices appeared woefully unprepared. One was forced to look up PFOS and PFOA on Wikipedia, the review found.
A regulatory gap was also exposed. The state-based environmental agencies had no formal jurisdiction over commonwealth sites, meaning they were effectively left without independent environmental oversight.Taylor says the gap reveals a fundamental problem in relations between the commonwealth and states, with particular implications for defence.A regulatory gap was also exposed. The state-based environmental agencies had no formal jurisdiction over commonwealth sites, meaning they were effectively left without independent environmental oversight.Taylor says the gap reveals a fundamental problem in relations between the commonwealth and states, with particular implications for defence.
“It really amounts to a failure of the constitution, a failure of the way in which the federation devolved various powers,” he tells Guardian Australia. “Perhaps equally concerning is the lack of independent oversight of defence’s actions with respect to the environment.”“It really amounts to a failure of the constitution, a failure of the way in which the federation devolved various powers,” he tells Guardian Australia. “Perhaps equally concerning is the lack of independent oversight of defence’s actions with respect to the environment.”
Delays and regulatory problems also impeded the response of Airservices Australia, which is responsible for airport firefighting at 56 sites. Of those, a little under half used 3M Light Water at some point between the 1980s and 2000s. In 2003, Airservices switched to another foam, Ansulite, wrongly believing it did not contain PFAS.Delays and regulatory problems also impeded the response of Airservices Australia, which is responsible for airport firefighting at 56 sites. Of those, a little under half used 3M Light Water at some point between the 1980s and 2000s. In 2003, Airservices switched to another foam, Ansulite, wrongly believing it did not contain PFAS.
The agency waited until 2008 to begin a program of preliminary site assessments for contamination. Even when it did so, the analysis of samples was complicated by what a spokeswoman called “the absence of regulatory PFAS threshold levels in Australia”.The agency waited until 2008 to begin a program of preliminary site assessments for contamination. Even when it did so, the analysis of samples was complicated by what a spokeswoman called “the absence of regulatory PFAS threshold levels in Australia”.
Put simply, the agency had no regulatory guidance on what levels were safe. The federal government has since introduced benchmarks, although they were criticised as inadequate. Airservices moved to a PFAS-free alternative, Solberg RF6, in 2010.Put simply, the agency had no regulatory guidance on what levels were safe. The federal government has since introduced benchmarks, although they were criticised as inadequate. Airservices moved to a PFAS-free alternative, Solberg RF6, in 2010.
But no such transition has been made by defence. The military says it began “phasing out” 3M Light Water in 2004, switching to Ansulite. It still uses Ansulite, saying it is safe because it contains only trace amounts of PFOS and PFOA. (Defence has published its full response to questions from Guardian Australia on its website.)But no such transition has been made by defence. The military says it began “phasing out” 3M Light Water in 2004, switching to Ansulite. It still uses Ansulite, saying it is safe because it contains only trace amounts of PFOS and PFOA. (Defence has published its full response to questions from Guardian Australia on its website.)
A senior adviser at the national toxics network, Mariann Lloyd-Smith, says Australia’s response has been “severely lacking” and exposes an inability to respond to known threats. She warns Australia’s regulatory clout will be further eroded by planned changes that would limit the role of Nicnas.A senior adviser at the national toxics network, Mariann Lloyd-Smith, says Australia’s response has been “severely lacking” and exposes an inability to respond to known threats. She warns Australia’s regulatory clout will be further eroded by planned changes that would limit the role of Nicnas.
“It’s this bit-by-bit process with absolutely no guts behind it, there’s nothing. The military, the defence department, is getting away with murder,” she says. “We already have an appallingly weak framework, and we are in the process of making it far, far weaker.”“It’s this bit-by-bit process with absolutely no guts behind it, there’s nothing. The military, the defence department, is getting away with murder,” she says. “We already have an appallingly weak framework, and we are in the process of making it far, far weaker.”
‘We’re stuck’: residents trapped in the red zone‘We’re stuck’: residents trapped in the red zone
Brad Hudson lives 400 metres from the boundary of the army aviation centre in Oakey, in Queensland’s Darling Downs. For 15 years, he has used bore water to shower, wash, clean, drink and hose stock and gardens. Hudson, in his early 40s, has already survived testicular cancer. He constantly worries about the future of his three children.Brad Hudson lives 400 metres from the boundary of the army aviation centre in Oakey, in Queensland’s Darling Downs. For 15 years, he has used bore water to shower, wash, clean, drink and hose stock and gardens. Hudson, in his early 40s, has already survived testicular cancer. He constantly worries about the future of his three children.
“It’s a shitload of stress, I can tell you that,” Hudson says. “It’s just the not knowings of having to endure a chemical every day of your life and hope like hell it doesn’t have any long-term health impacts on me or my family.”“It’s a shitload of stress, I can tell you that,” Hudson says. “It’s just the not knowings of having to endure a chemical every day of your life and hope like hell it doesn’t have any long-term health impacts on me or my family.”
He is one of the 450 Oakey residents who are part of the class action against the federal government. Like many, his property became unsellable once the contamination became public. There have also been reports in Oakey and Williamtown of banks refusing to lend to those in contamination zones.He is one of the 450 Oakey residents who are part of the class action against the federal government. Like many, his property became unsellable once the contamination became public. There have also been reports in Oakey and Williamtown of banks refusing to lend to those in contamination zones.
The government will not pay Hudson’s relocation expenses, and he cannot afford to take his family elsewhere. He is trapped.The government will not pay Hudson’s relocation expenses, and he cannot afford to take his family elsewhere. He is trapped.
“I’ve endured three or four years of it now. Is it ageing me? Undoubtedly so. Is it stressful? Course it is,” Hudson says.“I’ve endured three or four years of it now. Is it ageing me? Undoubtedly so. Is it stressful? Course it is,” Hudson says.
Dozens of similar stories were heard by a Senate inquiry last year. No action has been taken on the inquiry’s recommendation that the commonwealth buy properties from affected Oakey residents, and no money has been made available to help residents move.Dozens of similar stories were heard by a Senate inquiry last year. No action has been taken on the inquiry’s recommendation that the commonwealth buy properties from affected Oakey residents, and no money has been made available to help residents move.
“They’ve spent millions, and yet not one red cent has gone to getting people who are trapped out of there,” Shannon, from Shine Lawyers, says.“They’ve spent millions, and yet not one red cent has gone to getting people who are trapped out of there,” Shannon, from Shine Lawyers, says.
Lindsay Clout bought 30 hectares about 5km from the Williamtown base almost 30 years ago, and used it to open a garden centre with his wife. Defence says it detected the contamination 2011, during routine water quality monitoring, although environmental investigations at the site identified a potential PFAS risk in 2007.Lindsay Clout bought 30 hectares about 5km from the Williamtown base almost 30 years ago, and used it to open a garden centre with his wife. Defence says it detected the contamination 2011, during routine water quality monitoring, although environmental investigations at the site identified a potential PFAS risk in 2007.
Clout says he was not warned until 2015.Clout says he was not warned until 2015.
When defence told the NSW EPA of the Williamtown contamination in May 2012, it insisted the regulator keep the information confidential. Defence’s request prompted concern internally within the NSW EPA, which expressed the view that “if there is a risk, it may be better for early public communication”.When defence told the NSW EPA of the Williamtown contamination in May 2012, it insisted the regulator keep the information confidential. Defence’s request prompted concern internally within the NSW EPA, which expressed the view that “if there is a risk, it may be better for early public communication”.
The red zone boundary runs right through Clout’s property.The red zone boundary runs right through Clout’s property.
He says it’s not just secrecy the community had to battle against, locals have also had to push for blood testing, soil testing and remediation.He says it’s not just secrecy the community had to battle against, locals have also had to push for blood testing, soil testing and remediation.
“I’ve said this a couple of times – I said this to Marise Payne when I met with her – what you’ll hear today you’ll think we’re in a third world country, the way people have been treated,” he says. “They just think it’s hyperbole.”“I’ve said this a couple of times – I said this to Marise Payne when I met with her – what you’ll hear today you’ll think we’re in a third world country, the way people have been treated,” he says. “They just think it’s hyperbole.”
Clout, who previously campaigned against coal seam gas, is not one to shy away from a fight. He is now one of the most vocal critics of the defence department.Clout, who previously campaigned against coal seam gas, is not one to shy away from a fight. He is now one of the most vocal critics of the defence department.
More studies, some actionMore studies, some action
Clout and others accept the wheels of bureaucracy are now slowly turning to address the contamination.Clout and others accept the wheels of bureaucracy are now slowly turning to address the contamination.
Taylor praises the NSW EPA for its response since 2015, and various state governments, including Queensland and South Australia, implemented outright bans on PFAS this year.Taylor praises the NSW EPA for its response since 2015, and various state governments, including Queensland and South Australia, implemented outright bans on PFAS this year.
A taskforce has been set up within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and defence has engaged independent environmental consultants to conduct detailed investigations at 18 sites, which it says is “one of the largest environmental investigation programs ever undertaken in Australia”.A taskforce has been set up within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and defence has engaged independent environmental consultants to conduct detailed investigations at 18 sites, which it says is “one of the largest environmental investigation programs ever undertaken in Australia”.
It has provided bottled water for residents still relying on bore water, connected affected residents at Williamtown and Oakey to reticulated water, and supplied rainwater tanks to property owners at a site in Katherine.It has provided bottled water for residents still relying on bore water, connected affected residents at Williamtown and Oakey to reticulated water, and supplied rainwater tanks to property owners at a site in Katherine.
About $55m has been committed to Williamtown and Oakey to reduce residents’ exposure and investigate the potential health effects of the chemicals.About $55m has been committed to Williamtown and Oakey to reduce residents’ exposure and investigate the potential health effects of the chemicals.
That includes providing mental health and counselling services, appointing community liaison officers and providing access to blood tests. The department has provided an assistance package for local fishermen, and is attempting to work with valuers and lenders to discuss “property lending policies and practices” in Williamtown and Oakey.That includes providing mental health and counselling services, appointing community liaison officers and providing access to blood tests. The department has provided an assistance package for local fishermen, and is attempting to work with valuers and lenders to discuss “property lending policies and practices” in Williamtown and Oakey.
It is also providing $12.5m to establish a national research program to “study the potential health effects of exposure of PFAS on human health”, which will be administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council.It is also providing $12.5m to establish a national research program to “study the potential health effects of exposure of PFAS on human health”, which will be administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The American attorney Bilott questions the need for further health studies.The American attorney Bilott questions the need for further health studies.
“At least as to PFOA, we already know from the independent C8 Science Panel work involving years of study of tens of thousands of people that drinking water exposure is linked to six diseases, including kidney and testicular cancers,” he says.“At least as to PFOA, we already know from the independent C8 Science Panel work involving years of study of tens of thousands of people that drinking water exposure is linked to six diseases, including kidney and testicular cancers,” he says.
“Studying a smaller group of people will not invalidate that existing data.”“Studying a smaller group of people will not invalidate that existing data.”
Since the panel’s findings, 3,500 people involved in his class action took DuPont to court again, and two of the first three cases found the company had acted with “actual malice”. During a fourth trial this year, the parties announced a global $670.7m settlement for the thousands of pending cases.Since the panel’s findings, 3,500 people involved in his class action took DuPont to court again, and two of the first three cases found the company had acted with “actual malice”. During a fourth trial this year, the parties announced a global $670.7m settlement for the thousands of pending cases.
Lloyd-Smith is concerned defence’s approach is a delaying tactic.Lloyd-Smith is concerned defence’s approach is a delaying tactic.
“What frustrates us incredibly is that [the health study] won’t be finished until 2020, it’ll be another year or so until the government response,” she says.“What frustrates us incredibly is that [the health study] won’t be finished until 2020, it’ll be another year or so until the government response,” she says.
“Meanwhile, those people are forced to live on those sites.”“Meanwhile, those people are forced to live on those sites.”
Defence’s full response to Guardian Australia can be read here.Defence’s full response to Guardian Australia can be read here.
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Toxic firefighting chemicals
Australian defence force
Health
New South Wales
Marise Payne
Fishing
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