Researchers in Dayton, Ohio have developed a new solution to remove harmful chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from everyday products and major water supplies. PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” do not break down easily, leading to long-term environmental contamination. These chemicals can be found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, and various other products.
The new technology that researchers have developed uses ultrasound to break down PFAS chemicals, creating cavitation bubbles in water that heat up when they collapse. While the ultrasound technique shows promise in removing these harmful substances, researchers are still working on improving its energy efficiency for widespread use.
Even though a lot still needs to be done to fully eliminate PFAS chemicals from the environment, researchers are hopeful that the new technology will help reduce the levels of these harmful substances over time. In the meantime, experts recommend using water filters, avoiding non-stick cookware, and using glass containers instead of paper or cardboard to reduce daily exposure to PFAS chemicals.
With the potential to make a significant impact on water pollution and environmental health, the ultrasound technology developed by researchers in Dayton offers a promising solution to the persistent problem of harmful PFAS chemicals in our daily lives. As further research and development are conducted on this technology, we can look forward to a future where our water and products are safer and cleaner.
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