Topline
Researchers at Northwestern University outlined a potential way to destroy the synthetic so-called “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in a paper published Thursday in the journal Science, the latest work aimed toward developing means to break down the pervasive chemicals that have been found to be harmful to human health.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using a new method to destroy PFAS, the “forever … [+]
Key Facts
Researchers found a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) called PFCAs (perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids) could be broken up by heating them with solvents at relatively low temperatures of 80 to 120 degrees Centigrade when combined with sodium hydroxide – an inexpensive chemical commonly found in soap.
The promising study comes three months after researchers at the University of California, Riverside published a study in Environmental Science & Technology finding an iodide treatment used in combination with ultraviolet light and sulfite can destroy up to 90% of harmful carbon-fluorine atoms in PFAS in a matter of hours, while researcher at Battelle have developed a water oxidation technology called a “PFAS annihilator” to destroy the chemicals “without creating harmful byproducts.”
PFAS, which are common ingredients in Teflon and other non-stick and water-proof materials, as well as fire-extinguishing foam, have become a growing concern in recent years after researchers found alarming concentrations in the air, animals and in drinking water — the Environmental Protection Agency has issued drinking water health advisories for two common types of PFAS: PFOA and PFOS.
The chemicals have been linked to increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of kidney cancer and testicular cancer, increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women and low infant birth weight, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
The Northwestern scientists say their technique is a departure from harsher methods used to decompose the chemicals, such as incineration and plasma-based oxidation.
Researchers also found the degradation process used in the study can also be used for other types of PFAS, and treat the chemicals at lower concentrations than the levels used in the study.
Key Background
PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because their strong carbon-flourine bonds enable them to persist without degradation in the environment. They have been found in high concentrations near landfills, where they’re dumped, as well as airports, where firefighting foam is used in training exercises, and around manufacturing plants. The chemicals were invented in the 1930s, and largely phased out of manufacturing in the mid-2000s. In June, the EPA announced new standards for PFAS, as well as a newer chemical called GenX, in drinking water and announced a $1 billion grant program for states to address PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Big Number
0.02 parts per trillion. That’s the amount of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) acceptable in drinking water, according to the EPA’s guidelines released in June. For PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), it’s 0.004 parts per trillion, well below the EPA’s previous guideline of 70 parts per trillion, set in 2016.
Further Reading
Battelle’s PFAS Annihilator Victorious Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ (Forbes)‘Forever chemicals’ stay in the air and water permanently. But scientists have found a new way to destroy them. (NBC News)
‘Forever Chemicals’ In Your Drinking Water, It Is Worse Than Previously Thought (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/08/18/scientists-building-up-arsenal-to-destroy-pfas-forever-chemicals/