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The Conversation
The Conversation
Science
A. Daniel Jones, Professor of Biochemistry, Michigan State University

How to destroy a 'forever chemical' – scientists are discovering ways to eliminate PFAS, but this growing global health problem isn't going away soon

How long do we really need chemicals to last? Sura Nualpradid/EyeEm via Getty Images

PFAS chemicals seemed like a good idea at first. As Teflon, they made pots easier to clean starting in the 1940s. They made jackets waterproof and carpets stain-resistant. Food wrappers, firefighting foam, even makeup seemed better with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Then tests started detecting PFAS in people’s blood.

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