Scientists at the British University of Birmingham have created an optical sensor to detect “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in water. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, a group of chemicals that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products.
Studies have linked exposure to some of these substances to harmful health effects, including growth problems, immune system dysfunction, and an increased risk of developing some types of cancer. Current methods are difficult to implement, take a long time and are expensive.