The same level in two different individuals may not mean the same level of exposure, due to toxicokinetic differences. There are no specific biomarkers to look at effects of PFAS exposure. Potential exposure pathways should be discussed with the individual to determine whether or not a blood test is warranted. For example, the use of PFAS in the investigation areas began in the 1970s, therefore; anyone who lived or worked in the investigation area before that time (and not since) is not likely to have been exposed. A factsheet targeted at patients, titled Voluntary Blood Testing Program Information for PFAS, is available on the Department of Health website: health.gov.au/pfas. Additional dedicated mental health and counselling services The Australian Government has funded additional mental health and counselling services in the Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine communities to support these communities during this period of uncertainty. These services are being provided in addition to services already provided in those communities by state and territory health departments. Patients do not need to have had a PFAS blood test to access these services. Please contact your local Primary Health Network (PHN) to find out more about these services. For Williamtown Hunter, New England and Central Coast PHN (hneccphn.com.au) – For Oakey Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN (ddwmphn.com.au) – For Katherine Northern Territory PHN (ntphn.org.au) – The Australian Government has also engaged On The Line Australia to provide a telephone and online counselling service, called Support Now. Services can be accessed by calling 1300 096 257 or by visiting the Support Now website: supportnow.org.au.
The same level in two different individuals may not mean the same level of exposure, due to toxicokinetic differences. There are no specific biomarkers to look at effects of PFAS exposure. Potential exposure pathways should be discussed with the individual to determine whether or not a blood test is warranted. For example, the use of PFAS in the investigation areas began in the 1970s, therefore; anyone who lived or worked in the investigation area before that time (and not since) is not likely to have been exposed. A factsheet targeted at patients, titled Voluntary Blood Testing Program Information for PFAS, is available on the Department of Health website: health.gov.au/pfas. Additional dedicated mental health and counselling services The Australian Government has funded additional mental health and counselling services in the Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine communities to support these communities during this period of uncertainty. These services are being provided in addition to services already provided in those communities by state and territory health departments. Patients do not need to have had a PFAS blood test to access these services. Please contact your local Primary Health Network (PHN) to find out more about these services. For Williamtown – Hunter, New England and Central Coast PHN (hneccphn.com.au) For Oakey – Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN (ddwmphn.com.au) For Katherine – Northern Territory PHN (ntphn.org.au) The Australian Government has also engaged On The Line Australia to provide a telephone and online counselling service, called Support Now. Services can be accessed by calling 1300 096 257 or by visiting the Support Now website: supportnow.org.au.
wFS-GP-pre-test-advice.docx