Forever No More : Calling Time on PFAs

PFAs, or per- & poly-fluoroalkyl substances, referred to as Forever Chemicals, are solid particles that do not degrade naturally with light, heat, weather, or over time like most plastics. There are thousands of PFAs that, once discarded, pervade the planet and pollute.

As a result, PFAs are found everywhere on earth, leaching into waterways & soil, oceans & air, wildlife & plant life. PFAs are harmful to humans, yet due to their microscopic size and ability to dissolve in water, they were detected in the blood of 100% of subjects tested.

However, hopeful new research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters shows exciting new methods of degrading PFAs. Scientists from the University of California Riverside have developed a technique using UV light to destroy PFAs in drinking water.

This innovation couldn’t have come at a better time. Recently, a Swedish research team made the grim discovery that no rainwater anywhere on earth is potable due to these forever chemicals. 1 in 3 people in the world don’t have access to safe drinking water already.

How do they do it? The addition of hydrogen makes the PFAs more active in the water, which is then subjected to UV light which not only breaks the strong carbon-flouride bond but renders the PFAs into a harmless by-product. Almost 100% of PFAs are destroyed in the process.  

Why not stop making PFAs to begin with? Their undegradable properties are what makes them most useful. Their stability means they have been adopted for use by various industries, from industrial to manufacturing, clothing, and even makeup.  

Non stick cookware is a common source of PFAs due to the oil and water resistance of the substances. Carpet and fabric manufacturers utilise these properties. From food packaging to waterproof clothing and outdoor equipment, PFAs are abundant in our environment.

PFAs pollute watercourses worldwide. Scientists tested dead otters in England and found PFAs in 100% of those analyzed. According to Chemtrust, English rivers are suffering a chemical cocktail, with higher levels of PFA detected in otters found around factories.  

While the discovery is cause for celebration, researchers are hoping to improve the technique & technology for widespread use on many different types of water & pollutants. Improved sterilisation and PFA-free water will help the 144 million people who drink untreated water daily.

Drinking water is a human right, and thanks to new advances, we may be one step closer to providing clean potable water to everyone who needs it.

Forever chemicals may not be forever after all.