FOREVER CHEMICALS

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Context

• Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," pose significant health risks due to their persistence and widespread use in various consumer products.
• In response to the pressing need for efficient detection methods, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) chemists have engineered a groundbreaking sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of PFAS in drinking water.

Details

Significance of PFAS Detection

• PFAS are highly stable chemicals commonly found in food packaging, nonstick cookware, and other consumer products.
• Their persistence in the environment poses severe health risks, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system disruption.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established advisory health limits for certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

Development of the Sensor

• MIT researchers have designed a sensor based on lateral flow technology, similar to rapid COVID-19 tests.
• The sensor employs a special polymer called polyaniline, which undergoes a change in conductivity when exposed to PFAS.
• PFAS in a water sample trigger a reaction with the polyaniline, altering its electrical resistance.
• This change in resistance is measured using electrodes and can be quantitatively assessed using external devices like smartphones.

About the chemicals

• Forever chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), represent a class of synthetic chemicals with unique properties and widespread applications.
• The term "forever chemicals" stems from their resistance to degradation, leading to their persistence in the environment and potential accumulation in living organisms.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in consumer products, including cosmetics, due to their water- and grease-resistant properties.
• Recently, some countries have taken significant steps to ban the use of PFAS in cosmetics due to their persistence in the environment and associated health risks.

Characteristics of PFAS:

• PFAS constitute a class of 14,000 chemicals used in consumer products for imparting water resistance.
• Their persistence in the environment raises alarms about long-term contamination of soil, water, and air.

Chemical Structure:

• PFAS compounds consist of carbon-fluorine bonds, imparting exceptional stability and resistance to degradation.
• Variability in chain length and functional groups contribute to diverse properties and applications.

Common Uses:

• Firefighting foams (AFFF)
• Non-stick coatings (e.g., Teflon)
• Water and oil repellents (e.g., Scotchgard)
• Food packaging materials
• Textiles and carpets
• Semiconductor manufacturing

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure:

• Cancer Risk: Evidence suggests an association between PFAS exposure and increased risks of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.
• Liver Damage: High levels of PFAS have been linked to liver damage and disturbances in liver functionality.
• Thyroid Disruption: Certain PFAS compounds are associated with disruptions in thyroid hormone levels, affecting metabolism and growth.
• Impact on Lipid Profile: PFAS exposure may lead to changes in lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cardiovascular risks.
• Neurodevelopmental Effects: Emerging research suggests adverse effects on neurodevelopment, particularly concerning cognitive deficits and behavioral issues in children.

New Zealand's Ban on PFAS in Cosmetics:

• New Zealand announced a ban on PFAS or forever chemicals in cosmetics starting from December 31, 2026.
• The Environmental Protection Authority highlighted concerns about the non-degradability of PFAS in the body and the environment, linking them to various health issues including cancers and hormonal disruptions.
• The ban requires the cosmetics industry to phase out the use of PFAS by the specified deadline.

Regulatory Landscape:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Establishing health advisory levels and regulations for drinking water contamination.
• Stockholm Convention: PFAS listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aiming for global regulation and reduction.
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Assessing risks and restricting PFAS use in the European Union.

Emerging Solutions:

Remediation Technologies

• Activated carbon filtration
• Advanced oxidation processes
• Phytoremediation
• Bioremediation

Alternative Chemicals and Materials

• Short-chain PFAS substitutes
• Green chemistry approaches
• Designing products for durability and recyclability

Policy and Advocacy

• Advocating for stricter regulations and pollution prevention measures.
• Encouraging industry-wide collaboration and transparency.
• Supporting research on PFAS fate, transport, and health impacts.