At the closing event of the five-year EU-funded research and innovation project ZeroPM (Zero Pollution of Persistent, Mobile Substances), project coordinator Hans Peter Arp from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) made an urgent appeal to those present. Since only 0,2 to 2 percent of persistent chemicals can actually be removed from the water, immediate action is needed… Read more »
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "perpetual chemicals," enter the bodies of newborns worldwide even before birth and via breast milk. Numerous studies and meta-analyses demonstrate links to lower birth weight, shorter gestational age, and a slightly increased risk of premature birth. In the long term, metabolic, hormonal, and immune system disorders may occur. However, the data remains inconsistent, particularly regarding… Read more »
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most thoroughly investigated "perennial chemicals." They are extremely persistent, mobile, and bioaccumulative. Numerous systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic analyses from recent years have documented a wide range of health risks, particularly with chronic exposure. The evidence is especially strong for immunotoxic, reproductive, and developmental effects, as well as for liver and metabolic disorders. ... Read more »
Lyon (Labnews Media LLC) – The prefecture of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has updated its roadmap for tackling PFAS pollution for 2026. As reported by actu-environnement, long-term mobilization against these so-called "perennial pollutants" remains a central concern for the authorities. The revised roadmap retains the four priority objectives from last year: reducing pollution… Read more »
According to a study by the University of California, Davis, and the State University of New York at Buffalo, penguins living on the Patagonian coast of Argentina can serve as living observers of their environment by using small, chemically detecting leg rings. For the feasibility study, published in the journal "Earth: Environmental Sustainability," scientists from UC Davis equipped 54 Magellanic penguins during the… Read more »
Several hundred thousand chemicals are now considered toxic to humans and the environment. However, measurements from bodies of water are available for only a very small proportion of these chemicals. This has now been demonstrated by scientists at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU). They also show that environmental risks for a number of chemicals can only be assessed to a limited extent, as they are already effective at concentrations in… Read more »
The Fraunhofer Institutes for Laser Technology (ILT) and Mechanics of Materials (IWM) have developed a groundbreaking innovation: durable, environmentally friendly seals that do not require harmful PFAS chemicals and function with water-based lubricants. This solution, which will be presented at the Fraunhofer joint booth (Hall A3, Booth 431) at Laser World of Photonics 2025 from June 24 to 27, could sustainably transform industry and drastically reduce environmental impact.… Read more »
The new collaborative project “CompoPFAS” at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF is investigating the substitution of PFAS in flame-retardant formulations. It builds on the successful completion of a project evaluating PFAS alternatives, in which 21 companies from the medical technology and mechanical engineering sectors participated. The follow-up project “CompoPFAS” aims to understand the mechanism of action of fluoropolymers and their potential replacements. … Read more »
Researchers at Rice University have developed an innovative solution to a pressing environmental problem: the removal and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "perennial chemicals." A study led by James Tour, TT and WF Chao Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and PhEDC student Phelecia Scotland presents a method that not only removes PFAS… Read more »
Soils contaminated with harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are difficult to clean completely. To improve this process, researchers at the University of Augsburg are testing various cleaning methods. To find the best cleaning method for fine soil particles, the researchers are building a laboratory-scale "soil washing machine." Their work is now being financially supported by… Read more »
