Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants,&nbsp;are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights. Is that even possible?

If an experiment made by scientists in Japan is an indication, LED light exposure along with a cocktail of chemicals can isolate, separate and remove the dangerous parts in forever chemicals, scientifically called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.

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The researchers reportedly managed to 'clean up' the forever chemicals at room temperature, and that too overnight, or just eight hours to be precise.

<h2>Cleaning up forever chemicals with LED: How it works&nbsp;</h2>

For the experiment, researchers at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University used a&nbsp;mixture made of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals, triethanolamine and water. The forever chemicals were then put into this mixture, and exposed to LED lights of 405-nanometer wavelength, burning at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.

The PFAS used in this experiment were perfluorooctanesulfonate or PFOS.

The aim was to start a photocatalytic reaction that eventually breaks down and separates the fluorine irons of the forever chemicals. The experiment proved to be a success, as per a report in New Atlas.

Not only was the separation and removal of these pollutants done, but the chemical process also freed up some parts of the dreaded PFAS that can be put to good use. These are fluorine ions, which can be used for industrial products.

<h2>What are 'forever chemicals or PFAS'?</h2>

PFAS is the name given to a bunch of chemicals that are resistant to water and extreme heat.

This is possible because of the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds in them.

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While they are used in a number of products like water-proof cloths, non-stick cookware and foam used by firefighters, their very resilient qualities also make them dangerous. They are resistant to heat and would require at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit to burn. This makes their disposal near-impossible. PFAS are generally buried in landfills to prevent their further exposure.

Once ingested, they can stay in the human body 'forever', hence the name forever chemicals. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants, are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights.

Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants, are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights. Is that even possible? If an experiment made by scientists in Japan is an indication, LED light exposure along with a cocktail of chemicals can isolate, separate and remove the dangerous parts in forever chemicals, scientifically called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. Also read: ‘Comet of the century' is set to blaze past Earth. Here's how you can watch it with naked eyes The researchers reportedly managed to 'clean up' the forever chemicals at room temperature, and that too overnight, or just eight hours to be precise. Cleaning up forever chemicals with LED: How it works For the experiment, researchers at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University used a mixture made of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals, triethanolamine and water. The forever chemicals were then put into this mixture, and exposed to LED lights of 405-nanometer wavelength, burning at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. The PFAS used in this experiment were perfluorooctanesulfonate or PFOS. The aim was to start a photocatalytic reaction that eventually breaks down and separates the fluorine irons of the forever chemicals. The experiment proved to be a success, as per a report in New Atlas. Not only was the separation and removal of these pollutants done, but the chemical process also freed up some parts of the dreaded PFAS that can be put to good use. These are fluorine ions, which can be used for industrial products. What are 'forever chemicals or PFAS'? PFAS is the name given to a bunch of chemicals that are resistant to water and extreme heat. This is possible because of the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds in them. Also read: Scientists find rare rock art in caves of Amazon telling different tale of humans and animals While they are used in a number of products like water-proof cloths, non-stick cookware and foam used by firefighters, their very resilient qualities also make them dangerous. They are resistant to heat and would require at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit to burn. This makes their disposal near-impossible. PFAS are generally buried in landfills to prevent their further exposure. Once ingested, they can stay in the human body 'forever', hence the name forever chemicals. (With inputs from agencies)

LED lights in room temperature can 'clean up' forever chemicals overnight, suggests study

New Zealand announced that it is banning so-called “forever chemicals” from 2026, making it the first country to do so in a bid to protect people and the environment. The decision by the country’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was announced on Tuesday (Jan 30), and the ban will come into effect two years later.&nbsp;

<h2>About the ban</h2>

New Zealand’s EPA has said it will ban the use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) also known as “forever chemicals” added to make cosmetic products like nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipsticks and so on, to make them spreadable, durable and water resistant.

“We know these chemicals don’t easily break down, they can build up in our bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels,” said EPA’s hazardous substances reassessment manager, Dr Shaun Presow, on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-consider-ban-on-cosmetic-products-containing-forever-chemicals-580443">US states consider ban on cosmetic products containing ‘forever chemicals’</a>

“International research suggests PFAS are only found in a small number of products, but we take a precautionary approach to potential risks from PFAS,” said the EPA official, as quoted by the New Zealand media reports.

PFAS refers to a class of 14,000 chemicals that are typically used in consumer products to make them water-resistant.&nbsp;

As the name suggests, since these chemicals do not naturally break down, they can cause cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and fetal complications and can contribute to other major health issues.&nbsp;

So far, these chemicals have been detected in drinking water, sea foam, groundwater, ice, and even human blood. It is widely used in products ranging from Teflon pans to pizza boxes.&nbsp;

The announcement was made following EPA’s public consultations last year which received 20 submissions, out of which 14 were from the cosmetics industry.&nbsp;

“We will continue to engage with industry to manage the transition before PFAS are banned and the other changes take effect,” said Presow.&nbsp;

According to the new rules, from December 31, 2026, cosmetic products containing PFAS will be banned from being imported or manufactured in New Zealand. Additionally, from December 31, 2027, cosmetic products containing PFAS would no longer be allowed to be sold or supplied in New Zealand.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/toxic-forever-chemicals-found-in-toilet-paper-is-a-significant-source-of-water-pollution-study-571701">Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in toilet paper is a significant source of water pollution: Study</a>

By June 30, 2028, people in New Zealand would be required to dispose of all cosmetic products containing PFAS.&nbsp;

<h2>What about other countries?</h2>

In 2023, a number of US states said they are mulling banning cosmetic products which contain the toxic PFA.&nbsp;

The state Senate of Vermont approved legislation in April 2023 which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains PFAS as well as several other chemicals.

This comes after California, Colorado and Maryland imposed similar restrictions which will come into effect in 2025. The European Union (EU) is also considering a proposal to ban PFAS.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand announced that it is banning so-called “forever chemicals” from 2026, making it the first country to do so in a bid to protect people and the environment.

New Zealand announced that it is banning so-called “forever chemicals” from 2026, making it the first country to do so in a bid to protect people and the environment. The decision by the country’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was announced on Tuesday (Jan 30), and the ban will come into effect two years later. About the ban New Zealand’s EPA has said it will ban the use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) also known as “forever chemicals” added to make cosmetic products like nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipsticks and so on, to make them spreadable, durable and water resistant. “We know these chemicals don’t easily break down, they can build up in our bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels,” said EPA’s hazardous substances reassessment manager, Dr Shaun Presow, on Tuesday. ALSO READ | US states consider ban on cosmetic products containing ‘forever chemicals’ “International research suggests PFAS are only found in a small number of products, but we take a precautionary approach to potential risks from PFAS,” said the EPA official, as quoted by the New Zealand media reports. PFAS refers to a class of 14,000 chemicals that are typically used in consumer products to make them water-resistant. As the name suggests, since these chemicals do not naturally break down, they can cause cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and fetal complications and can contribute to other major health issues. So far, these chemicals have been detected in drinking water, sea foam, groundwater, ice, and even human blood. It is widely used in products ranging from Teflon pans to pizza boxes. The announcement was made following EPA’s public consultations last year which received 20 submissions, out of which 14 were from the cosmetics industry. “We will continue to engage with industry to manage the transition before PFAS are banned and the other changes take effect,” said Presow. According to the new rules, from December 31, 2026, cosmetic products containing PFAS will be banned from being imported or manufactured in New Zealand. Additionally, from December 31, 2027, cosmetic products containing PFAS would no longer be allowed to be sold or supplied in New Zealand. ALSO READ | Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in toilet paper is a significant source of water pollution: Study By June 30, 2028, people in New Zealand would be required to dispose of all cosmetic products containing PFAS. What about other countries? In 2023, a number of US states said they are mulling banning cosmetic products which contain the toxic PFA. The state Senate of Vermont approved legislation in April 2023 which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains PFAS as well as several other chemicals. This comes after California, Colorado and Maryland imposed similar restrictions which will come into effect in 2025. The European Union (EU) is also considering a proposal to ban PFAS. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand to ban cosmetics containing toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in 2026

The Dutch government issued a warning to people to ask their pets and children to stop swallowing foam at the seaside after a study revealed that “forever chemicals” were present in concentrated amounts in the spume. 
 
After research was conducted into foam collected at the Belgian seaside, it showed a concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – which are widely used for their waterproofing qualities but are difficult to destroy. 
 
The coast in Zeeland and north and south Holland in April and August was measured by the Dutch public health institute RIVM. 
 
It was also discovered that the sea foam present at popular Dutch resorts, which include Egmond, Katwijk, Scheveningen, Texel and Zandvoort, had comparable levels of PFAS to Belgium.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-geert-wilders-victory-in-dutch-poll-shocked-muslim-citizens-663048">Explained | Why has Geert Wilders' victory in Dutch poll shocked Muslim citizens?</a>

However, the sea foam – which was collected by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research in one of the samples from the Belgian resort of Knokke – had “very high concentrations” of polyfluoroalkyl substances.

<h2>PFAS' toxic effects on human immune system</h2>

PFAS synthetic chemicals have been related to the toxic effects on the human immune system, risks for wildlife, certain types of cancers and fertility issues. 
 
In a parliamentary briefing on Tuesday (Dec 12), Minister of Water Management Mark Harber said, “It is sensible to have a shower after swimming, wash your hands before eating, and not to let children and pets swallow any sea foam.” 
 
“The RIVM has previously established that people in the Netherlands are already too exposed to PFAS. A large amount comes from food and drinking water. Every route through which people ingest more PFAS is undesirable, including via sea foam,” he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Dutch Election Committee officially confirms Geert Wilders win

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He said that no measures were required related to sea swimming since the water levels were “a lot lower”. In a press release, the RIVM said that it was unclear what the chemicals in foam meant “for the health of … swimmers, surfers, or people walking on the beach” because of a lack of data on acceptable risk levels. 
 
As per the Dutch study, which has measured foam where available, “just as much if not more PFAS occur in Dutch sea foam as have been measured in Flemish sea foam, with the exception of one sample from Knokke in which very high PFAS concentrations were found”. 
 
PFAS have been used in everything, from cosmetics and waterproof clothing to&nbsp;firefighting foam and pizza boxes.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Dutch government issued a warning to people to ask their pets and children to stop swallowing foam at the seaside after a study revealed that “forever chemicals” were present in concentrated amounts in the spume.

The Dutch government issued a warning to people to ask their pets and children to stop swallowing foam at the seaside after a study revealed that “forever chemicals” were present in concentrated amounts in the spume. After research was conducted into foam collected at the Belgian seaside, it showed a concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – which are widely used for their waterproofing qualities but are difficult to destroy. The coast in Zeeland and north and south Holland in April and August was measured by the Dutch public health institute RIVM. It was also discovered that the sea foam present at popular Dutch resorts, which include Egmond, Katwijk, Scheveningen, Texel and Zandvoort, had comparable levels of PFAS to Belgium. Also read: Explained | Why has Geert Wilders' victory in Dutch poll shocked Muslim citizens? However, the sea foam – which was collected by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research in one of the samples from the Belgian resort of Knokke – had “very high concentrations” of polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS' toxic effects on human immune system PFAS synthetic chemicals have been related to the toxic effects on the human immune system, risks for wildlife, certain types of cancers and fertility issues. In a parliamentary briefing on Tuesday (Dec 12), Minister of Water Management Mark Harber said, “It is sensible to have a shower after swimming, wash your hands before eating, and not to let children and pets swallow any sea foam.” “The RIVM has previously established that people in the Netherlands are already too exposed to PFAS. A large amount comes from food and drinking water. Every route through which people ingest more PFAS is undesirable, including via sea foam,” he added. Watch: Dutch Election Committee officially confirms Geert Wilders win He said that no measures were required related to sea swimming since the water levels were “a lot lower”. In a press release, the RIVM said that it was unclear what the chemicals in foam meant “for the health of … swimmers, surfers, or people walking on the beach” because of a lack of data on acceptable risk levels. As per the Dutch study, which has measured foam where available, “just as much if not more PFAS occur in Dutch sea foam as have been measured in Flemish sea foam, with the exception of one sample from Knokke in which very high PFAS concentrations were found”. PFAS have been used in everything, from cosmetics and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and pizza boxes. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch government asks children to stop swallowing sea foam amid PFAS concerns

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LED lights in room temperature can 'clean up' forever chemicals overnight, suggests study

New Zealand to ban cosmetics containing toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in 2026

Dutch government asks children to stop swallowing sea foam amid PFAS concerns