Researchers Are Slowly Finding Ways To Stem The Tide Of PFAS Contamination
1 min read
Summary
The media has termed perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to breakdown.
These strong carbon-fluorine bonded substances are extensively used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware and many other products, but are difficult to remove from contaminated areas.
Researchers in Australia and the US have been investigating ways to deal with the problem, including sealing contamination in concrete with a silicate-based sealant, and pyrometallurgy incineration at temperatures of 950°C to break down the chemicals.
Although the techniques are a start in dealing with contaminants, the best solution is to avoid using these substances in the first place, particularly as they have been found to accumulate in the human body as well as the environment.
