Japan Develops Method to Break Down PFAS "Forever Chemicals"

   Kyoto, Jan. 5 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese research group has developed a new method to break down PFAS, a group of organic fluorine compounds often called "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the environment.
   The group of Ritsumeikan University researchers succeeded in completely breaking down perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a type of PFAS, within hours by using nanometer-scale semiconductor crystals as catalysts and applying light from a purple light-emitting diode. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
   PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in a wide range of products, such as fire extinguishing agents and coated nonstick cookware, because they have strong water and oil repellent properties.
   More than 10,000 types of PFAS are known to exist. The chemicals accumulate in the environment and within the body, raising health concerns.
   Japan has banned the production and use of three main PFAS substances including PFOS in principle, but these compounds are believed to be leaking into soil and groundwater from various sources. They have been detected in well water in many places in Japan.

(2025/01/05-20:17)

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