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Discover an easy new way to destroy 'eternal chemicals'

Scientists have developed a new process that breaks down two major classes of harmful "permanently" chemicals, leaving only benign end-products. did.

Researchers, including those from Northwestern University in the United States, say this "simple" new technology will dispose of these chemicals associated with dangerous health effects on humans, livestock and the environment. He said it could be a "powerful solution" for

Current methods for destroying these chemicals include high temperatures and pressures, according to scientists.

In a new technique published Thursday in Science ,researchers highlight the "Achilles heel" of these chemicals to make them more practical. For widespread use with the possibility of developing a solution.

PFASstands for perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals used since the 1940s in nonstick cookware, waterproof cosmetics, Commonly found in fire extinguishing foams and oil and oil resistant products. oil.

These chemicals do not degrade in the environment and will remain a persistent problem for generations to come.

Studies show that these chemicals cannot be broken down by bacteria and cannot be incinerated with fire or diluted with water to harmless levels.

Research also suggests that these toxic chemicals leach into the surrounding soil when buried.

PFAS are migrating from consumer goods to drinking water, and even into the blood of 97% of the US population,scientists noted.

Although the health effects of these chemicals are not yet fully understood, previous studies have shown that exposure to PFASs is associated with decreased fertility,child development. Effectshave been shown to be associated with an increased risk of various types of disease. A weakened immune system to fight cancer, infections, and elevated cholesterol levels.

"PFAS have become a major social problem. Even minute amounts of his PFAS cause adverse health effects that are not broken down," said the study's lead author. William Dichtel of Northwestern University said in a statement.

``We can't just wait around for this problem. It's really exciting how our solution is so simple yet so unrecognized," said Dr. Dichtel.

In a new study, scientists found that targeting PFAS by heating it in the solvent dimethylsulfoxide "decapitates" part of the molecule, leaving behind "the safest form of fluorine." discovered.

Using computer simulations, they found that benign products remained after the process.

Researchers have identified 10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and one of its common substitutes known as GenX. New techniques can be applied to successfully degrade (PFECAs). The most prominent PFAS compound.

Future studies would like to test the efficacy of the new strategy against other types of his PFAS.

"There are other classes that don't have the same Achilles heel, but each has its own weaknesses. If we can identify it, we'll know how to activate it and destroy it," Dr. Dichtel said. I was.