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https://theconversation.com/chemicals-forever-how-do-you-fix-a-problem-like-pfas-227771>
"A landmark legal settlement has once again focused our attention on the
dangers of “forever chemicals”.
This class of chemicals, technically known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl
substances, or PFAS, are widely used to make nonstick or waterproof products.
The problem is, the chemicals move easily around the environment, pollute
groundwater and rivers, are often carcinogenic – and they don’t degrade.
This month, one of the largest makers of these chemicals, 3M, had its offer of
A$16 billion to clean up PFAS-contaminated waterways approved by a US court.
It’s just the latest in a series of PFAS lawsuits across the United States.
While increased attention is welcome, there’s no guarantee of success. Removing
and destroying PFAS from wastewater streams across a single US state,
Minnesota, would cost a minimum of $21 billion over 20 years. Globally, a
recent report by the chemical safety nonprofit ChemSec found the costs of PFAS
remediation alone amount to around $26 trillion per year – not including rising
healthcare costs from exposure to PFAS, or damage to the environment. The 3M
settlement is just the tip of the iceberg.
The problem now is how to actually clean up these chemicals – and prevent
further pollution."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
