[PFAS] Does it Have to be a "Forever" Chemical? | Media Briefing

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, are chemicals that are used in a variety of products we interact with daily including food packaging, textiles, and firefighting foams. PFAS chemicals are critical to multiple industrial processes. At the same time, these chemicals are persistent in the environment and accumulate in plants, animals and humans. Due to their widespread use and environmental persistence, most people in the US have been exposed to some PFAS materials.
Learn how the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) supports researchers and works with industry partners nationally and across the globe to understand PFAS movement in the environment, remediation and degradation options, and to design and deploy safer alternatives. Together, we strive to build solutions to achieve a circular economy that encourages economic development, human health and a more resilient planet.
We are excited to host this PFAS panel with such an extraordinary group of subject matter experts.
1. Selma Mededovic Thagard, Richard and Helen March professor of chemical engineering at Clarkson University and founder of DMAX Plasma, Inc.
2. Linda Molnar, Program Director, Convergence Accelerator, Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate, U.S National Science Foundation
3. Karl Rockne, Director, Environmental Engineering Program, Engineering Directorate, U.S. National Science Foundation
4. Anne-Marie Schmoltner, Program Director, Environmental Chemical Sciences Program, the Directorate of Mathematic and Physical Sciences, U.S. National Science Foundation
5. Brooke Tvermoes, Director of Environmental, Energy & Chemical Management Programs within IBM’s Chief Sustainability Office