News
Nagoya Institute of Technology Develops “PFAS-Free” Next-Generation Fluorine Synthesis Technology
Nagoya Institute of Technology researchers have developed a PFAS-free fluorine-synthesis method that enables efficient skeletal editing of benzene into azepine rings. They achieved this by using high-valent sulfur fluorides (SF?/SF?) as reactivity switches, which activate the ring and drive the transformation under visible light. This approach provides the benefits of fluorine chemistry without relying on persistent PFAS, offering a cleaner path for designing future pharmaceuticals and functional materials.
EPA Debunks False Claims that Agency Recently Approved "Forever Chemical" Pesticides
The EPA recently approved certain pesticide products that contain a single fluorinated carbon—an ingredient structure that, under the agency’s current definition, does not qualify as a PFAS. Following public claims that it had authorized a new “forever chemical,” the EPA issued a detailed fact-check explaining that these substances are chemically distinct from persistent PFAS, fall outside the regulatory definition, and have undergone the same rigorous toxicological and environmental review required for all pesticide registrations.
Numat, Milliken to develop next-gen protective fabrics
Milliken & Company and Numat Technologies have formed a strategic partnership to develop advanced protective textiles using Numat’s MOF-based Sentinel® technology. The collaboration focuses on delivering high-performance, non-PFAS protection solutions for defense, industrial, and first-responder applications.
Toy safety: Parliament adopts new rules to enhance child health protection
The European Parliament has adopted a new regulation updating EU toy?safety rules the update bans harmful chemicals in toys, including endocrine disruptors, skin sensitisers, PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and the most dangerous bisphenols, and introduces mandatory “digital product passports” for all toys imported or sold in the EU. The change aims to strengthen child health protection by making toys safer, improve traceability and market?surveillance, and adapt toy?safety regulation to the realities of rising online and cross?border toy sales.
PFOS prohibited in fire-extinguishing media from 1 January 2026
Starting 1?January?2026, new amendments to SOLAS Convention (and related High?Speed Craft Codes) will prohibit the use or storage aboard ships of any fire?extinguishing media containing Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), including firefighting foams above 10?mg/kg. The ban aims to protect crew and passengers from exposure to hazardous “forever chemicals” and reduce long?term environmental harm from PFOS contamination on vessels and in marine environments.
New Mexico to Proceed with Rulemaking to Implement PFAS Law
New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) voted to allow the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to advance formal rulemaking to implement the state’s PFAS Protection Act (H.B. 212). NMED submitted a draft rule to EIB on October 8, 2025. A public hearing on the draft rule will take place in February or March of 2026, after the state’s legislative session ends. Comments on the draft rule are due March 31, 2026.
PFAS pollutants found in organs of endangered leopard cats
A study led by Ehime University’s Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Okayama University of Science (OUS) researchers found that PFAS pollutants accumulated in the organs of endangered Amur leopard cats in Japan, indicating wildlife exposure to these persistent chemicals. The findings highlight environmental contamination and the potential risk of PFAS to vulnerable wildlife populations.
Clarkson Researchers Find Simple Way to Destroy PFAS on Activated Carbon
Clarkson University researchers have discovered a simple, additive-free method to destroy PFAS adsorbed on granular activated carbon by using only a stainless-steel ball mill to mechanically break the persistent chemicals. After milling, treated carbon showed no PFAS release under simulated landfill conditions, suggesting a much safer and more practical route for disposing PFAS-laden waste.
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