Chemists at Colorado State University and the University of Science and Technology of China have learned how to break up 'forever chemicals.'
The article from The Cool Down discusses a significant breakthrough in the battle against PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new method to break down these chemicals using a combination of UV light and a special catalyst, which effectively destroys PFAS in water. This innovation could revolutionize water treatment processes, offering a solution to remove these harmful substances that are linked to various health issues including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects. The method involves exposing PFAS-contaminated water to UV light in the presence of sulfite, which helps in the rapid degradation of the chemicals into harmless byproducts. This approach not only promises to clean up existing contamination but also aims to prevent future accumulation of PFAS in water supplies, marking a pivotal advancement in environmental science and public health.
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