Date: Mar 28, 2025
A new Australian study has made headlines by confirming something we’ve long suspected – PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the human brain.
These so-called “forever chemicals” are known for their persistence in the environment and the human body, and now there’s evidence they may be reaching even our most sensitive tissues.
At Leeder Analytical, this kind of discovery underscores why we do what we do. It’s a timely reminder that advanced, reliable chemical testing isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about protecting people, the environment, and public health.
What the Research Revealed
The study, conducted by researchers from the Sydney Brain Bank at NeuRA, the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) at The University of Queensland, and the University of NSW School of Biomedical Sciences, analysed PFAS concentrations in paired post-mortem human brain and serum samples.
The findings were striking. Several long-chain PFAS compounds – including PFOS, PFOA, and PFUnDA – were found in brain tissue, with levels as low as 0.65 ng/mL. Perhaps most importantly, the research revealed that the number of carbon atoms in a PFAS compound is a key factor in how it accumulates in the brain.
“We need to better understand individual PFAS, as their properties can influence how they behave in the human brain,” said Dr Claire Shepherd, Director of the Sydney Brain Bank at NeuRA.
“This study was important to enhance our understanding of PFAS accumulation in the brain, which will help us evaluate potential health effects, including those related to neurodegenerative diseases.”
How Exposure Happens
PFAS chemicals have been widely used in everyday items like food packaging, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and furniture, thanks to their heat resistance and water-repelling properties. But their persistence in the environment and in the human body has become a major concern.
“Humans have been exposed to PFAS in different ways, including drinking water, consumption of contaminated food, indoor dust ingestion or inhalation, and use of PFAS-contaminated products,” said Dr Shepherd.
“In developed countries, it’s now difficult to find people whose blood samples don’t have PFAS at measurable levels.”
The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology and can be read here.
How We Make Sense of PFAS
This study highlights the growing need for advanced, reliable testing methods – especially in the field of biological sample analysis. At Leeder Analytical, we specialise in analysing complex biological matrices like blood, serum, and tissue to detect and quantify PFAS compounds with precision.
Here’s how we help:
- Detection of long and short-chain PFAS, including the types identified in the study
- Quantification down to ng/mL levels, ensuring accurate measurement in samples with very low concentrations
- Structural identification, allowing us to distinguish between PFAS compounds by chain length—a key factor in how they accumulate in the body
Whether you’re conducting research, managing product safety, or responding to evolving regulations, we provide the data you need to make informed, science-based decisions.
Preparing for Regulatory Changes
As Australia prepares to ban over 500 PFAS compounds by July 2025, the pressure is on for industries and researchers to understand and respond to this class of chemicals.
Our team is already working with clients across sectors to ensure compliance and guide effective environmental monitoring.
Taking Action with Science
PFAS contamination isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a public health and environmental one. This latest research adds an important piece to the puzzle, and we’re proud to contribute through advanced analytical services that support real-world outcomes.
About Leeder Analytical
Leeder Analytical is an Australian-owned laboratory based in Melbourne, specialising in advanced chemical analysis and research services. With over 20 years of experience, we support non-routine testing, method development, and environmental investigations.
Got questions or need PFAS testing? We’re here to help.
Contact Us: +613 9481 4167
Email: enquiries@leeder-analytical.com
