How to destroy harmful 'forever chemicals'

5 days ago

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PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), known as 'forever chemicals,' are man-made and found in products like waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, and food packaging.
These chemicals persist in nature due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds and are linked to health risks such as cancer and reproductive problems.
Current disposal methods for PFAS waste include long-term storage, incineration (often incomplete), and hazardous waste landfills, which are costly or environmentally harmful.
New technologies like electrochemical oxidation (EO) and Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) are emerging to destroy PFAS more effectively.
EO uses electrodes in contaminated water to break down PFAS, while SCWO heats and pressurizes water to a supercritical state to destroy PFAS bonds.
Regulations are tightening worldwide, with the US and EU setting legal limits for PFAS in drinking water, driving demand for destruction technologies.
The US military is a key partner in testing PFAS destruction technologies due to contamination from firefighting foam at over 700 sites.
Future opportunities include destroying PFAS in expanding domestic computer chip manufacturing, which uses large amounts of these chemicals.

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