The Perils of PFAS: A Growing Threat to Our Health and Environment

Understanding PFAS and Their Impacts

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water-, heat-, and oil-repellent properties. However, these chemicals have come under scrutiny in recent years due to growing concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Detection and Measurement Challenges

One of the challenges in addressing PFAS contamination is the difficulty in accurately detecting and measuring these substances. The small size and complex nature of PFAS make them difficult to analyze, and traditional methods for detecting organic pollutants may not be effective. As a result, researchers are actively developing and refining new approaches to detect PFAS more quickly and accurately.