Worried about 'forever chemicals' in your water? Try electron-beaming it!

Those fast-food wrappers, paper plates, and non-stick pans share a hidden danger you might not be aware of: a hefty dose of liver disease and cancer-causing "forever chemicals".

These "forever chemicals," formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were a notable invention. Their strong carbon-fluorine bond makes them very strong, making them ideal for protecting food packaging and clothing. Even in landfills, PFAS stubbornly resist natural breakdown. Rainwater then carries them to our waterways, and eventually, to us.

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of PFAS on our bodies, and unsurprisingly, the results aren't pretty. Exposure to these forever chemicals has been linked to liver damage, weakened immune and nervous systems, cancers, and even impaired brain development in newborns.

PFAS have around since the 1950s, and studies suggest almost every adult in the US has some within their system. A recent study even found some German drinking water containing levels of forever chemicals exceeding safe limits. Fortunately, places like New Zealand and California are starting to ban these chemicals in commercial products.

Naturally, you might wonder why we can't simply treat our water to remove these contaminants. Unfortunately, it's quite challenging, especially for large volumes. Traditional methods like activated carbon or reverse osmosis just clump the PFAS together, requiring further treatment and disposal – and the chemicals aren't even destroyed! In some cases, it even worsens environmental contamination.

But there's a ray of hope! Researchers have discovered that bombarding the two most common types of PFAS – PFOA from Teflon and PFOS from household cleaners and sprays – with high-energy electron beams can break them down, even in large amounts of water!

This study showed that the electron beam swiftly destroys the forever chemicals, making it potentially highly beneficial for treating groundwater using conventional methods. The researchers even believe it could be used directly on water from factories before it's released.

While more research and development are needed for large-scale implementation, this breakthrough offers a promising avenue for tackling the "forever chemicals challenge. However, collaboration between scientists, industry, and the government will be crucial for advancing this technology and exploring its wider applications. In the meantime, public awareness and responsible use of PFAS-containing products can help prevent further contamination.

The research supporting this article can be accessed here.