A final report from an inquiry into the extent, regulation and management of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Australia. PFAS represents a wicked problem for Australian governments, including the Commonwealth. While PFAS chemicals have never been manufactured in Australia, products containing PFAS have been ubiquitous across the economy, with some used heavily before, and even after they were known to be hazardous to the environment and living things.

The report is divided into two parts. Part 1 presents the evidence received throughout the course of the inquiry. Part 2 presents the committee's views and recommendations. It provides 47 recommendations. Much of the evidence received by the committee spoke to the difficulties in establishing a conclusive causal link between PFAS exposure and adverse health effects, and the different lines of evidence required to establish such a link.

The general position of Commonwealth government agencies, as well as the reviews that they rely on for formulating their health advice, is that there is no current evidence that supports a large impact on a person's health, even as a result of high levels of PFAS exposure.

Key recommendations for the Australian Government 

• Consider the need to establish periodic reviews of the Tolerable Daily Intakes for PFAS and other chemicals of concern.
• Increase its investment in PFAS research and development.
• Work with states and territories to ensure that workers are protected from unnecessary and harmful exposure to contaminants, such as PFAS.
• Consider ways to improve and accelerate the integration, mapping and presentation of Australian data about PFAS.
• Consider restricting or phasing out uses of PFAS in consumer products where PFAS is not essential to the product and is readily replaceable.