Aviation firies want blood tests

AVIATION firefighters are calling for a raft of blood and health tests to be available after a toxic chemical contamination was found at the Gold Coast Airport.

But Airservices Australia said they already have a health plan in place.

The United Firefighters Union yesterday demanded Airservices offer full blood tests to check for levels of the polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are linked to the use of a firefighting foam.

Higher than normal levels were found at the Gold Coast Airport last year and are believed to be caused by the use of the foam in training.

UFU aviation branch secretary Henry Lawrence said due to their exposure to the foam, firefighters at Gold Coast Airport had a higher risk of health problems.

“Aviation firefighters, past and present need mandatory blood testing as a matter of urgency,” Mr Lawrence said.

“They want to know if their blood is toxic so they can manage their health.”

An Airservices Australia spokeswoman said a new health and wellbeing initiative for aviation firefighters was announced last week.