The omnipresence of PFAS—and what we can do about them
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as "forever chemicals"—are everywhere. Created in the 1940s, these synthetic compounds are an unseen ingredient in many items that we use in our daily lives, like cleaning products, food pack.....»»
Garden produce grown near Fayetteville works fluorochemical plant contains GenX, other PFAS
Residential garden produce grown near the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant can expose those who consume it to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a new study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University, E.....»»
Uncovering health impacts of forever chemicals on freshwater turtles
A study in Science of the Total Environment has measured concentrations of PFAS—also known as forever chemicals—in Australian wildlife, following an analysis of freshwater turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii) populations in Queensland......»»
New PFAS testing method could make water testing more affordable, portable and accessible
University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have discovered a new way to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. This marks an important step forward in creating testing devices that are simpler, more cost-effective, faster an.....»»
Organosilicon chemistry offers options for replacing PFAS in food and medical industries
Due to the unique properties of PFAS, almost no other chemical substances can compete with them. That explains why it is so hard to find a replacement for these toxic "forever chemicals," which accumulate in the environment and do not break down over.....»»
Rainwater samples reveals it"s literally raining "forever chemicals" in Miami
PFAS are in Miami's rainwater. And it is the latest evidence the synthetic "forever chemicals"—that have raised health concerns for people and wildlife—hitch a ride on the water cycle, using the complex system to circulate over greater distances......»»
Millions in the US may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies
Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states—more than 20% of the country's population—may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking.....»»
More states ban PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in more products
Legislative momentum against PFAS has surged this year, as at least 11 states enacted laws to restrict the use of "forever chemicals" in everyday consumer products or professional firefighting foam......»»
Microplastics and PFAS: Daphnia study finds combined impact results in greater environmental harm
The combined impact of so-called "forever chemicals" is more harmful to the environment than single chemicals in isolation, a new study shows. Researchers at the University of Birmingham investigated the environmental effects of microplastics and PFA.....»»
Forever chemicals found in bottled and tap water from around the world
Researchers found 10 'target' PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals which do not break down in nature—in tap and bottled water available for consumption in major cities in the UK and China. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane s.....»»
Perdue faces class action lawsuit over PFAS contamination in Maryland
Salisbury residents have filed a class action lawsuit against a Perdue Farms subsidiary over PFAS contamination found in groundwater on its site......»»
Researchers call for PFAS ban after alarming findings in marine environments
Washing your pots and pans—among many other day-to-day activities—could have a significant impact on marine environments for hundreds of years, according to a new study......»»
Study find high occurrence of PFAS in biofilters for stormwater treatment
In collaboration with researchers at Ohio State University and the Swedish construction company NCC, researchers in Urban Water Engineering at Luleå University of Technology have conducted a comprehensive study on the occurrence, concentration and d.....»»
New technologies could help destroy persistent "forever chemicals"
Scientists and engineers are developing new ways to destroy per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) efficiently and sustainably. This class of chemicals is known as "forever chemicals" because PFAS persist and accumulate in the environment, anima.....»»
Study finds it could take over 40 years to flush PFAS out of groundwater
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known commonly as PFAS, could take over 40 years to flush out of contaminated groundwater in North Carolina's Cumberland and Bladen counties, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. The study.....»»
Why PFAS-enriched foam is forming on some of the cleanest lakes in the country
A curious phenomenon springs up occasionally on New York's Finger Lakes: white foam, sometimes in miles-long swathes, almost as if a massive washing machine emptied out into the water......»»
New synthesis strategy could speed up PFAS decontamination
Rice University engineers have developed an innovative way to make covalent organic frameworks (COFs), special materials that can be used to trap gases, filter water and speed up chemical reactions. COFs have the potential to address significant envi.....»»
Forever chemicals persist through waste incineration, researcher finds
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," present in municipal solid waste can survive the high temperatures of waste incineration and continue to spread into the environment via residues from waste-to-energy plants......»»
New method to break down forever chemicals uses nanoparticles and ultrasound
What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, tha.....»»
Chemists achieve PFAS-free synthesis of fluorinated pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds
Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have developed a method to furnish a range of molecules with a trifluoromethyl group attached to a sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen atom. Their procedure, which is published in Science, avoids the use of PFAS reagent.....»»
Breaking down the indestructible: New technologies target PFAS environmental menace
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in products such as non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing due to their water and grease-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment has led to widespread contamination and signific.....»»