Colorado School of Mines researchers patent new process to destroy harmful PFAS "forever chemicals"

By Kati Weis | CBS Colorado | April 13, 2023

Read the full article by Kati Weis (CBS Colorado)

"As water systems across Colorado, and the entire country, grapple with how to remove toxic "forever chemicals" from their drinking water supplies, researchers at the Colorado School of Mines have invented and patented a new process to eliminate them entirely.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are called forever chemicals, because of their tough durability and difficulty breaking down in the environment. PFAS are used in a variety of products, like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam.

But the Environmental Protection Agency says they can cause health problems, including birth defects and cancer. This year, the EPA is working to create regulations for PFAS in drinking water for the very first time, but that's creating new challenges for many public water systems that have recently discovered levels above recommended safe limits."