Words by Abi Scaife
Engineers have found a way to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from water.
Amazing! Tell me more.
‘Forever chemicals’, so named because they take up to hundreds of years to break down, are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They are found in our water systems, where they have seeped in due to contaminants - and can cause harm to people's health.
Luckily, scientists from the University of British Colombia have found a way to break down these chemicals, removing them permanently from our water!
How does it work?
The researchers have created a unique material that absorbs and traps the harmful chemicals. This removes them safely from the water, and destroys them, leaving our water clean and safe to drink!
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
WaterAid UK. This charity helps to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to everyone, everywhere. Find out more here.
Hope Spring Water. They work with developing communities in Africa, to access safe, clean drinking water. Support them here.
World Vision. World Vision is the largest non-government provider of clean water. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
