September 22, 2024
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in various consumer products for their unique properties, including their ability to resist water, grease, and stains. PFAS are also called “forever chemicals”. They are synthetic compounds that contain fluorine-carbon bonds, and they have been widely used since the 1940s,
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Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, have infiltrated various ecosystems, posing environmental and potential health concerns. Nanoplastics are less than 1000 nanometers[i]–[ii]. Further, a recent study has revealed that bottled water may harbor hundreds of thousands of previously unaccounted tiny plastic particles. Led by team
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Graphene oxide (GO) is a compound derived from graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene itself has remarkable properties, such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity.
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Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that have the ability to absorb and retain a significant amount of water. These materials are known for their high-water content and unique physical properties, they have a strong affinity for water, which is called “hydrophilicity”. This property allows hydrogels to absorb and retain large amounts of
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The presence and distribution of microplastics in human tissues is shedding light on exposure and potential health consequences we all face. Peer Reviewed studies provide crucial
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What We Need to Know and How to Solve It. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances),contamination in the United States has been a growing concern due to its widespread exposure and serious potential health implications[1]. Some of us remember the good-ole days when TV ads where promoting “non-stick-Teflon™” cookware, that was the end-all, be-all to our
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PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water supplies across the United States, affecting communities in both urban and rural areas. On November 28, 2023 the EPA released the latest round of public water system testing data for PFAS. It showed 854 sites have detectable levels of PFAS. Massachusetts and New Jersey are so contaminated,
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How to Solve Food PFASs from Cooking: While non-stick cookware was around in the 1960’s, it became very popular in the 80’s. When PFOA, which was used in Teflon cookware until 2013 came under fire. Manufacturers claimed it was burnt off in the manufacturing process, however, studies showed that not to be the case[1].
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PFAS are so dangerous, in 2021 the State of Maine outlawed the sale of certain consumer products that contained it, and by 2030[1] no products in Maine will be allowed to contain PFASs unless deemed as “unavoidable”[2]. The ‘unavoidable’ most likely will be industrial applications that fall within specific guidelines, which will be discussed later
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