The state government is being urged to set up “robust and transparent” testing regimes for firefighters who were exposed to toxic chemicals at the controversial, now-closed Fiskville training site.
The United Firefighters Union launched the ‘Justice for Fiskville’ campaign at the steps of State Parliament last Tuesday, calling on the government to establish “independent, comprehensive, timely and consistent” blood testing.
Senior MFB station officer Mick Tisbury, who began investigating water quality at the site in 2012, said the chemicals were a “ticking time bomb”.
“The former Liberal government and the former CFA board failed to establish proper blood testing regimes,” Mr Tisbury said. “I have unacceptably high levels of PFOS and PFOA in my blood, and no one can tell me what that means for my health. These chemicals are a time bomb, ticking away in our bodies.”
A CFA spokesman said the organisation was offering Perfluorochemical (PFC) blood testing for past and present members who attended the Fiskville site.
“Results from these tests take longer than regular blood testing to be completed and provided by the pathology service to, firstly, a specialist government laboratory in Sydney then to CFA’s medical officer,” the spokesman said.
“Once the medical officer has reviewed all relevant information, they will discuss these with the individuals.”
