The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced new drinking water limits on a category of chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
These chemicals are found in thousands of products that we use every day, such as plastics, Teflon, water proofing, fire retardant and others.
But they are also known as “forever chemicals” because they accumulate rather than breakdown in the environment and human body, and can cause health problems such as cancer, liver damage, low birth weight and birth defects.
A recent report by USA Today showed that 608 water systems across the country have detected PFAS, including some in South Carolina. Another report in the Charleston Post & Courier said freshwater fishermen are being warned to reduce their fish consumption because of PFAS.
In this episode of Earthly, Jonathan talks with Clemson environmental engineering associate professor Ezra Cates about PFAS and their impacts. Cates will also tell us about some innovative techniques and technologies his lab is developing to treat drinking water tainted with PFAS.
The Cates Lab
Hundreds of water systems exceed PFAS limits
New advances at Clemson University could help degrade chemicals in water
Clemson researchers: forever chemicals could be making you fat
