How the Indestructible Molecule that is PFAS Effects the Environment

In the most recent episode of “There’s More to IT,” host Jason Claybrook discussed the widespread exposure of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, better known as PFAS, in various aspects of everyday life. His guest was Yuran Li, the director of MS Commercial Strategies at Alternative Biomedical Solutions — a Texas based laboratory. The two talked about just what PFAS is, and why the molecules’ existence is harmful.

PFAS is a manmade chemical that repels water and oil, which also makes it a highly preferable component for some commonly-used products. This can include cookware, food wrappings, and paint, according to Li. The first use of PFAS began in the 1940s, and it evidently found its way into various products due to its resistant qualities. And due to that fact, the initial inference of the safety of PFAS was misleading, per Li.

“There is no natural occurrence of this type of molecule, and because everything gets repelled from it, there was always this assumption early on when it was invented, that it’s harmless,” said Li.

But decades later and after many studies, even by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it has been concluded the concerns regarding PFAS are major harm to the environment and living beings.

PFAS does not break down into the environment the way other molecules can, which means it presents a different type of danger for the environment. And just based on bioaccumulation, PFAS’ has found its way into every living organism, said Li.

Current studies are still in the early stages of determining just how toxic PFAS can be to the human body, and what levels would be considered a cause for immediate concern. But there is a connection between it and other health issues, said Li.

“Some of the early links were cancers, thyroid issues is one of the biggest ones being investigated at the moment, and pregnancy issues,” said Li.

People with major thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances were shown to have a lot of exposure to PFAS, added Li. But he stated that the studies between PFAS and infertility is a growing concern that is taking precedence.

Even more daunting is the formidablilty of PFAS. Being that it cannot break down environmentally, that also means it doesn’t break down in the body either. Subsequently, the response for health issues or symptoms related to PFAS is basic treatment. But even treatment like chemotherapy or cancer medications can’t break down the substance.

Li joked that even diamonds aren’t as long-lasting, and stated that PFAS is expected to be around for a long time due to the weight of effort that even needs to be made just to fully eliminate it. For example, if PFAS ends up in wildlife, it is expected to be there practically forever.

“It will take millions of years before they would even begin to start breaking down —  that’s how strong that molecules’ bonds are,” said Li. “Right now the only method really of getting rid of PFAS is really high heat incineration.”

Only extremely high heat can destroy PFAS, but even if that method was widely utilized, it would create another domino effect of environmental issues such as harming the natural water supply.

More Stories Like This:

The Industry That is Depending on Science and Regulation to Grow

Is Cryptocurrency and Its Tech Infrastructure Ready for a Revolution?

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

patient financial journey
RevSpring Uses Data, Automation and Empathy to Improve the Patient Financial Journey – Better Outcomes for Patients, Less Burden for Providers
June 24, 2025

Healthcare providers are under increasing pressure to meet consumer expectations without adding an administrative burden. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll in June 2024, 18% of the 2,092 American adults who were surveyed had received an unexpected medical bill of $1,000 or more in the past year, and 50% said they would…

Read More
clean trucking technology
ACT Expo Highlights: Hammer Down Talks Clean Trucking Technology with Leaders from OneH2, Schaeffler, and WEX
June 24, 2025

In a special episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush hit the show floor at ACT Expo, one of the logistics industry’s premier events for sustainable transportation. The conversations highlighted real-world innovations and clean trucking technology accelerating the shift to a lower-emissions future. Prathamesh Dabholkar, Project Engineer at OneH2, discussed the company’s mobile hydrogen…

Read More
HVAC Industry
Women in HVAC: Pioneering Change in a Male-Dominated Industry
June 24, 2025

The HVAC industry is evolving, and with it, the roles within the sector are expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Amid rising tuition costs and strong demand for skilled labor, young people are increasingly choosing trade schools over a traditional college education. With such a shift highlighting the need for a more diverse workforce, the questions…

Read More
paypal's ecosystem
Tap into the Trust Revolution with PayPal’s Ecosystem
June 23, 2025

Discover how PayPal reshapes business communication in the AI era. With decades of AI advancements lacking formal agent interactions, PayPal for Business emerges as the trusted partner you need for secure, seamless transactions. Dive into transformative strategies that propel your operations forward. What You’ll Learn Revolutionizing AI Communication with PayPal Building Trust in a…

Read More