NSW Health Warns Against PFAS Blood Tests Amid RBA Rate Cut Buzz
SYDNEY, Australia – August 12, 2025: Big news: NSW Health’s PFAS advisory group says getting your blood tested for PFAS (those forever chemicals) isn’t really worth it. They say the health risks from PFAS seem small. This comes as everyone’s watching to see if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates—most experts think it’s going to happen. So, a big day for health and money news in Australia.
What the NSW Health PFAS Report Says
NSW Health’s PFAS advisory group, led by Dr. Kerry Chant, looked at tons of research. They found that even though there’s lots of info out there, PFAS health problems don’t seem that bad or likely to mess with your health. Some people in areas with PFAS contamination aren’t going to like hearing this.
The panel says that getting a blood test for PFAS isn’t helpful. It can tell you if you’ve been exposed, but there’s not enough proof to know if your health issues are from PFAS. Plus, they warn that trying to lower PFAS in your blood might not even help and could be risky. Still, they say we should try to avoid these chemicals when we can.
Will the RBA Cut Rates?
The whole country’s waiting for the RBA’s rate decision at 2.30pm today. They’ve been meeting for two days. Almost everyone—economists, analysts—thinks they’ll cut rates, maybe by 0.25% to 3.60%. If so, that’d be the third cut this year, after ones in February and May.
Why the rate cut? Well, inflation’s down to 2.1%, right where the RBA wants it. And unemployment’s up to 4.3%. Things aren’t exactly booming, so a rate cut could get the economy moving.
What a Rate Cut Means
A rate cut would shake things up for Aussies. If you have a mortgage, your payments would probably go down, which is nice with living costs so high. It might also help people buy homes, but that could push prices up even more.
Some think a rate cut is a mixed bag. It helps borrowers, but it could make homes too expensive and cause landlords to raise rents. Experts say to shop around for the best deals because banks might not pass on the full cut. It also shows the RBA is now more worried about the economy than inflation.
Health Fears Meet Money Worries
These two stories show what’s on Australians’ minds: health and money. A rate cut would ease financial stress, but the PFAS report brings up concerns about people’s health, especially near old military and factory sites. NSW Health says testing isn’t helpful, but some people might feel like their worries are being ignored.
Both the RBA and NSW Health are dealing with data, experts, and what the public wants. The RBA sees a slow economy that needs help. NSW Health says the science on PFAS is still up in the air. It’s a tough job to give clear advice while dealing with people’s real fears and money problems.
