Toxic chemicals from toxic fire fighting foam used at the Gold Coast Airport until 2010 has been detected in the groundwater at 18 properties outside the Coolangatta airport, including Coolangatta Creek.

The levels were below recreational use standards set by the federal government, which meant swimming and boating in Coolangatta Creek were safe.

Chemical traces of fire fighting foam used at Gold Coast Airport until 2010 have been found at low levels, but above drinking water quality standards near the airport. Credit:Cameron Spencer

“All groundwater samples taken from spear bores at residential properties to the east of the (Gold Coast) Airport reported PFAS levels below the Commonwealth Department of Health recreational water quality values based on the final tolerable daily intake levels for Australia,” the report from consultants GHD found.

However, it detected chemicals above drinking water standards at a third of the properties.