POTSDAM – The New York State Center of Excellence (CoE) in Healthy Water Solutions—a partnership between Clarkson University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)—brought together researchers, policy-makers, state agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders for a day-long workshop on Oct. 6 at Clarkson University’s Capital Region Campus to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are chemicals defined as forever chemicals. 

PFAS chemicals are widely used in everyday products such as non-stick coatings on cookware, food packaging, and protective coatings on carpets and fabrics. 

They are also used in specific applications such as firefighting foams and ski wax. 

However, scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

As new monitoring has been done, PFAS have been increasingly detected in surface water and ground water throughout New York. 

New water quality regulations in New York and from the federal government will require water suppliers to make sure PFAS are held at very low levels in drinking water.

More than 30 in-person attendees and 20 virtual participants joined in a workshop to share information and coordinate new research directions to best address ways to cost-effectively detect and remove PFAS in water.