Defence toxins probe widens
THE HMAS Cairns navy base and World War Two-era fuel tanks in Edge Hill have been added to a growing list of sites believed to be contaminated with toxic firefighting foam.
The Department of Defence has called a public session to inform the community about its concerns before an investigation into the extent of the contamination begins.
“After a comprehensive review, it has been determined that an environmental investigation is required at and surrounding HMAS Cairns,” Defence said in a statement.
“The investigation will also assess the storage and use of firefighting foam at the former WWII Royal Australian Navy Fuel Installation, located on Collins Ave, Edge Hill.”
Similar investigations have been launched across the country following revelations about the poisonous nature of PFAS firefighting foams seeping into soil and water tables.
Soil and water testing was ordered at Cairns Airport last year and in 2016 Cairns firefighters were pushing for medical checks to determine if their bodies were carrying dangerous levels of the toxic chemicals.
Side effects of human contact with PFAS chemicals are believed to include growth and learning problems in children, lowered fertility for women, hormone interference, increased cholesterol levels, weakened immune systems and cancer.
More than 90 contaminated sites have been identified across Australia, leading to the Coalition Against PFAS forming last year.
Class action lawsuits against the Department of Defence are underway in Katherine in the Northern Territory, Williamtown in New South Wales and Oakey in Queensland’s Darling Downs region.
Defence will host an information session in the meeting rooms at the Cairns Convention Centre from 4-7pm on Thursday, November 1.
Residents have been asked to register their attendance by calling 1800 717 682 or emailing HMASCairns@aurecongroup.com