Toxic foam threatens major cities in Queensland

The population of almost every city and town in Queensland are at risk from toxic and cancerous chemicals, a survey conducted by the State Government has found.

About 425 tonnes of hazardous fire fighting foam containing PFOS and PFOA chemicals have been identified at 177 storage sites in major centres around Queensland, the Courier Mail reports. A recent survey by the State Environment Department identified forty three sites in the Brisbane region alone, the highest in the state.

Over 400 businesses participated in the survey said they had no management protocols in place for collecting fire fighting foam waste. Investigations have only just started to reveal the extent of the problem, and it’s now believed the chemicals have leached into the ground and surface water.

While banned in Queensland since last year, the foam is not currently banned federally.