About PFAS

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment. They have been widely used since the 1950s because of their water, heat, grease, and stain-resistant properties. Common uses include non-stick cookware, stain protection for fabric and carpet, packaged food containers and makeup and personal care products.

PFAS are being phased out because they don’t break down easily, can build up in the environment and in our bodies, and may pose health risks. Because of this, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Queensland Health recommend a precautionary approach to PFAS, encouraging people to reduce exposure wherever possible.

HEALTH ADVICE

The health of the community and our employees is CS Energy’s key priority and will guide our actions.

The Queensland Government has phased out the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS across industry and emergency services. It is also working to clean up contaminated sites and transition to safer alternatives.

Meanwhile, the Australian Government is regulating PFAS under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), which restricts the import, manufacture, and use of certain PFAS chemicals in line with international standards, including the Stockholm Convention. These measures aim to reduce PFAS exposure and protect both people and the environment.

For more information, download the Australian Government Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) fact sheet on PFAS (PDF 97.6KB).

OUR HISTORICAL USE OF PFAS

CS Energy's use of over the years PFAS was infrequent and in small quantities for training, testing and emergency response purposes.

CS Energy removed firefighting foams containing non-compliant levels of PFAS in 2019 as part of a Queensland Government policy to phase out their use.

More information

Visit the Queensland Government's website for more information about PFAS management in Queensland.