HealthierU | Can Tech Solve the Problem of Forever Chemicals?

Every sip of water you take might contain chemicals that will outlast your great-grandchildren. In this eye-opening episode, we explore how so-called "forever chemicals” called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) became embedded in our daily lives, and what innovative solutions might help us clean up this invisible mess. From the devastating effects of DDT in the 1960s to cutting-edge biopolymer filters, we track humanity's complex relationship with synthetic chemicals and ask whether technology alone can solve a problem that stems from our culture of overconsumption. We hear fromDr. John Wegner, Emory University's Chief Environmental Officer, and Dr. Yilin Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT developing sustainable nanomaterials to remove PFAS from water.

This episode was reported and produced by Shyam Dewan, a senior at Emory University who is passionate about exploring the intersection of environmental science and public health through storytelling. 

Studies referenced in this episode:

• PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA's Commitments to Action 2021-2024
• PFAS Exposure and Risk of Cancer
• Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• EPA National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH