Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have spread all throughout our environment, and have been linked to a long list of health problems including cancer. But according to a new paper in Science, an industrial solvent called dimethyl sulfoxide can actually break down a subset of PFAS chemicals. Ethan breaks down how this solvent works, how much this solution could help combat the PFAS crisis, and what science enthusiasts can take away from this discovery in this week’s “Tip of the Iceberg.”
The Sweaty Penguin is presented by Peril and Promise: a public media initiative from The WNET Group in New York, reporting on the issues and solutions around climate change. You can learn more at pbs.org/perilandpromise.
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CREDITS
Writer: Ethan Brown, Maxwell Pociask, Maddy Schmidt
Fact Checker: Ysabel Wulfing
Editor: Will Andronico
Producers: Ethan Brown, Shannon Damiano
Ad Voiceover: Naomi Rubin
Music: Brett Sawka
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Peril and Promise or The WNET Group.
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