Investigation of PFAS in Pitt Water- Summary

https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/355677/Investigation_of_PFAS_in_Pitt_Water_-_Summary.pdf

The lowest level of each of the chemicals (PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA) that the laboratory test can detect in foods is 0.0005 mg/kg, and in water is 0.0001 μg/L. These are called the ‘limit of reporting’.

Flathead and flounder were sampled from five locations. PFOS was detected in fish, but all results for PFOS+PFHxS (combined) were below the FSANZ trigger point for finfish (0.0052 mg/kg). All results for PFOA were below the limit of reporting.

Farmed shellfish were sampled from 12 leases and wild oysters and mussels were sampled from three locations. All samples were below the laboratory’s limit of reporting for PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA.

PFOS and PFHxS were detected in 4 of 5 water samples and PFOA in one. All were far below

the recreational water guideline values for PFOS+PFHxS (0.7 μg/L) and PFOA (5.6 μg/L).

These detections of PFAS do not pose a risk to persons exposed to the water of Pitt Water through recreational activities in and on the water.

While PFAS was detected in flathead and flounder, all results were the below ‘trigger points’ for further investigation. It is safe to continue to eat fish from Pitt Water in line with general fish and seafood consumption advice and as part of a balanced diet. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) provides advice on fish consumption:

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/chemicals/mercury/Pages/default.aspx.