Headline
-reduce.jpg?itok=bG_vXEky "Headline")
img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption img caption
A new way to destroy ‘forever chemicals’
Researchers have developed an easier, cheaper approach to break down a class of long-lasting chemicals called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These substances are widely used in products such as firefighting foams, waterproof clothes and nonstick cookware. But they don’t break down under typical environmental conditions, and current disposal methods typically require high pressures and temperatures above 1,000 °C. The approach targets an oxygen-containing chemical group to ultimately break PFASs down into harmless products. “This is the first time I’ve seen a degradation mechanism where I thought, ‘This could actually make a difference,’” says environmental chemist Shira Joudan.
