Amid growing concerns over PFAS contamination in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions, the Greens are advocating for urgent government intervention. The toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in local water supplies, prompting calls for free blood tests, enhanced health support, and a complete ban on these harmful substances.
Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into PFAS Contamination, along with federal Greens candidate Terry Morgan, visited the area to demand coordinated action from both state and federal authorities. Recent testing by the NSW EPA revealed elevated levels of PFAS in the water, raising alarm about potential health risks for residents.
The issue stems from the historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at RAAF Base Richmond, which have seeped into the groundwater, soil, and waterways of the Hawkesbury region. Despite international concerns and updated guidelines on the carcinogenic nature of PFAS chemicals, Australian regulations have been slow to adapt.
The Greens are advocating for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis, including free blood testing, ongoing health monitoring, and tighter regulations on PFAS in consumer and industrial products. They propose the establishment of a PFAS Public Health Monitoring Taskforce to oversee these initiatives and ensure the well-being of affected communities.
Residents, who have been left to grapple with potential exposure to PFAS for years, are facing financial burdens to access private blood tests. The Greens emphasize the need for government-funded programs to alleviate this burden and provide necessary support services to those impacted.
Moreover, concerns extend beyond health implications to environmental impacts, with the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity at risk due to PFAS contamination. The Greens stress the urgency of phasing out these chemicals to safeguard the ecosystem and public health in the affected areas.
Both state and federal governments are urged to collaborate and take decisive action to address the PFAS crisis. The lack of transparency and support for affected residents has fueled frustration and fear, underscoring the need for immediate intervention and stringent regulations to mitigate the spread of these harmful substances.
In conclusion, the push for free blood tests, a ban on PFAS, and enhanced health monitoring reflects a broader call for proactive measures to protect communities and the environment from the detrimental effects of these persistent chemicals. The Greens’ advocacy serves as a critical voice in addressing the PFAS contamination crisis and ensuring the well-being of residents in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions.
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