“Avoid Foam” and Other
Consequences of Living in a World with PFAS
first presented 29 November 2022 at the Kalamazoo ACS Section meeting
Abstract:
“Avoid Foam” signs now warn of PFAS, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances,
contamination in parts of Michigan. Christened “forever chemicals”, PFAS are of
great concern across the globe, with Michigan being particularly impacted. This
talk will review the definition of PFAS, why they are a concern, the history and
decisions leading to the issues faced today, and what is being done. PFAS are
an example of unintended consequences of a chemical technology. They are used
because they provide benefits, but those benefits come with risks that are only
now being understood. Getting rid of something that lasts forever is a daunting
task. It is made more daunting by introduction of new PFAS materials, including
pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.