Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

March 12, 2024

MIT chemists have designed a sensor that detects tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals found in food packaging, nonstick cookware and many other consumer products.

About Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):

These are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and commercial applications.
They were first used in the 1940’s and are now in hundreds of products.
Properties
- These compounds are also known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally.
- Chemically, individual PFAS can be very different. However, all have a carbon-fluorine bond, which is very strong and therefore, they do not degrade easily.
- These are known for their unique properties, such as high chemical stability and resistance to heat, grease, and water.
Applications: These are used in stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams.
Impacts:
- The widespread use of PFAS has resulted in increasing levels of contamination of the air, water, and soil.
- Exposure to PFA attributes to variety of health risks including decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, interference with body hormones, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk of some cancers.