Scientists have created a new material that can remove nearly all of a dangerous chemical from drinking water in just five minutes. The chemical, called PFOA, is part of a group known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and can build up in the body. These chemicals are found in everyday items like nonstick pans and food packaging and have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
The new material, developed at the University of Utah, traps the chemical as water passes through. It even glows when it detects PFOA, so it acts as both a cleaner and a warning system. It worked well in tests and stayed effective even after multiple uses, making it more useful than current methods, which are slower and expensive.
While this new tool isn’t available for home use yet, experts say it could lead to better water filters in the future. In the meantime, if you’re worried about forever chemicals, check your local water quality online and consider using a certified water filter that removes PFOA and PFOS.
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