The PFAS Dilemma: Advancing Material Science Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have played an
important role in modern society for more than 70 years. These
synthetic chemicals are chemically inert and offer low friction and
resistance to water, oil and heat, which has made them useful
in a wide array of applications. Today, PFAS chemicals are used
in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof fabrics to
life-saving medical devices and aircraft components.
PFAS are generally defined as a large, complex group of
synthetic chemicals that contain chains of linked carbon and
fluorine atoms. These molecular bonds are some of the strongest
bonds possible in organic chemistry, which is what makes them
useful to so many industries.