Victoria state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) said the fluoride pollution is being absorbed by nearby vegetation, which is being eaten by kangaroos.

All but one of the nearly 50 kangaroos culled near the Alcoa smelter in Portland last year were suffering from flurosis, which autopsies at Melbourne University show leads to excessive bone growth on joints in the paws, ankles and calves.

Tooth and jaw deformities that hinder eating are also symptoms, animal pathologists say.

Both polluting facilities say they are looking at ways to reduce their emissions, and plans are being made to move all kangaroos away from the most contaminated areas, the EPA said.

The agency’s director of environmental services, Bruse Dawson, told The Age that while fluoride levels around both facilities were safe for humans, it has become clear that they are too high for some animals.

Dawson denied the authority had been slow in efforts to reduce maximum emission levels.

”We are taking this seriously. Clearly the impact on the local kangaroos and vegetation is not acceptable and action is required,” Dawson said.

Photo: Environmental Protection Authority