They're called 'forever chemicals' because of their extreme durability, but now there may be a method to break them down. Researchers say they've developed a powder which can be used to combat PFAS with the hopes it could one day be used to help clean up the environment.
00:05We could be turning this PFAS waste into a valuable product.
00:10University of Adelaide researchers have developed a material they say can result in the degradation of forever chemicals or PFAS.
00:18The material is a metal sulphide powder that's mixed in with concentrated amounts of the toxic chemical.
00:25It's then activated by light which researchers say causes a chemical reaction that breaks the PFAS apart reducing it to harmless components like fluoride.
00:35We should be converting this chemical which has potential harm into something which has some potential good.
00:42Once used in firefighting foam PFAS can be found in household items like non-stick cookware and water repellent fabric.
00:50It accumulates in the soil and groundwater and even people.
00:55While the effects on human health are contested by experts some well known types of PFAS have been recognised as toxic and their use has been discontinued in several countries including Australia.
01:08We don't want to have more PFAS in our body so we want to stop and prevent this to come to your body at all.
01:17Researchers here say further studies and development into the material is needed before it can be upscaled in the hopes of one day becoming commercially available.
01:26They're hopeful the powder will eventually be used to help clean up contaminated areas like airports and military bases.
01:34We are sure that forever chemicals are not forever chemicals anymore.
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