The PFAS problem in everyone’s back yard
By 
Patrick Walter2023-10-19T14:07:00
Communities around the world will have to get to grips with a new pollution problem that will cost billions to address
It’s rare in this job that you find yourself personally caught up in the issues that Chemistry World covers. But in February last year, we learned that per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) had been found at above the recommended levels in the drinking water of villages just next door to where my family and I live. Regular readers of the magazine will be familiar with PFAS – they’re extremely valuable chemicals used to manufacture everything from medicines and waterproof clothing to non-stick cookware. Unfortunately, they’re also extremely persistent in the environment and we’re learning that they are connected to a wide range of health problems even at very low levels.