Explore the World of PFAS With Dr. Carol Kwiatkowski

By Steven Gibney & Lucy Lawrence | Technology Networks | November 24, 2023

Read the full article by Steven Gibney & Lucy Lawrence (Technology Networks)

"Dr. Carol Kwiatkowski, Vice President of Research at Million Marker and Adjunct Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University, works to identify products that contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These PFAS compounds are widely used and persist in the environment and the human body for extended periods. Her work focuses on detecting these substances and providing solutions to minimize harmful exposure.

Technology Networks invited Kwiatkowski to an Ask Me Anything session to answer your questions about PFAS and their impact on human health. These are just some of the questions that we asked Kwiatkowski, click below to watch the full AMA.

Lucy Lawrence (LL): What is the difference between PFAS and microplastics?

Carol Kwiatkowski (CK): PFAS are chemicals that are defined by the presence of a fully fluorinated carbon atom. This carbon and fluorine bond is not a natural thing, it's a man-made bond that is incredibly strong and that's why these chemicals don't break down. That defines a PFAS chemical. Because plastics are made up of different chemicals that serve different functions, PFAS can be used as an additive in plastic. PFAS may also be a contaminant in plastic if they weren't intentionally added during processing. Plastics go through different processing phases, such as an extrusion phase where they are pushed through a mold. PFAS can be used to help them slide through that mold, and residual PFAS can then contaminate the plastic. In contrast, microplastics refer to the breakdown of larger plastics in the environment. Also, certain microplastics, such as microplastic beads, can be used for the production of larger plastic items."