New technology seeks to destroy toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water

Grand Rapids, Michigan — Researchers estimate more than 200 million Americans in all 50 states could have cancer-causing carcinogens in their drinking water. The toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, have been virtually indestructible — but new technology aims to change that. 

Sandy Wynn-Stelt discovered too late that her Michigan home sat across from a former waste dump. Her husband died of cancer six years ago and she has had thyroid cancer. For more than 20 years, they drank well water contaminated with PFAS.

"You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't smell it. You will not know it's there unless you test for it," Wynn-Stelt told CBS News. 

PFAS — man-made, practically indestructible chemicals — became widely used for their ability to resist oil and water. They've been found in some firefighting foams, cosmetics and non-stick cookware, among other products. Because the chemicals don't break down in the environment, they can contaminate soil and drinking water sources, where they can accumulate and eventually make their way up the food chain.

At least 2,854 locations in 50 states and two territories are now known to be contaminated with the chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group. 

"The threat is real," said Amy Dindal, PFAS program manager for Battelle, a scientific nonprofit that has developed promising technology to eliminate the problem. Battelle uses a process called supercritical water oxidation to break down the chemical bonds in just seconds.

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