Welcome to Remediation Australasia no. 19, the second issue of our new, improved version of the magazine. In this issue, we explore the crucial topic of contaminants and human health.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to issue 18 of Remediation Australasia. You may be aware that it has been a while since issue 17 was published. This is no accident. In 2015, CRC CARE relocated its headquarters from Adelaide to Newcastle, where we are now based at the University of Newcastle.

Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are stable chemical compounds with multiple industrial uses, including as components in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, food packaging, insecticides, and waterproof and fire-resistant fabrics. However, the stability that makes PFAS so useful also prevents them from breaking down readily.

As CRC CARE moves into the 6th year of its 2nd funding cycle, its ‘Minimising uncertainty in risk assessment’ program saw completion of 8 projects, including 3 carryover projects from its first funding cycle. Currently, 4 projects are ongoing, with most likely to be completed in the next 1–2 years.

Complementary medicines – also known as traditional, natural or alternative medicines – include vitamin and dietary health supplements, herbal medicines, and traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese and homeopathic medicines. Contaminants in complementary medicines can include pesticide residues, and toxic heavy metal(loid)s such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg).