'Forever Chemicals' May Not Be Forever?

Per and Polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a family of man-made chemicals. PFAS are used in many commercial processes, making items non-stick (e.g. frying pans), waterproof (e.g. pizza boxes) and/or stain-resistant (e.g. carpets). Unfortunately, however, PFAS have been linked to very detrimental effects on human health. PFAS have also been dubbed 'forever chemicals' as they don't naturally breakdown. Worryingly, PFAS contaminate drinking water in the US and are found in the blood of 98% of Americans. 'Forever chemicals' are now also found in rainwater across the globe. We haven't been able to get away from these pewsky chemicals! A study in the journal, Science, however, offers some hope (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/18/pfas-forever-chemicals-new-method-decompose-drinking-water). Attempts to limit the production and use of PFAS, by commercial companies, have been largely ineffective. Burning PFAS-treated items, just spreads 'forever chemicals'. Pumping waste PFAS into underground silos, is just making it a future generation's problem. The Science article's authors describe an emerging low temperature technique to breakdown PFAS. We really need this!