This episode of the Georgia Tech Research podcast discusses PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, with Dr. Christopher Heist and Jordan Ash. PFAs, known as "forever chemicals," are synthetic compounds with strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly persistent in the environment. They are ubiquitous in products like waterproofing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.

The episode highlights the challenges in analyzing PFAs due to their widespread presence and the need for specialized equipment. The discussion also covers the impact of PFAs on human health, including cancer risks, and the efforts to reduce exposure through filtration and product updates. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration and ongoing research to address PFAs contamination.

Dr. Heist will discuss the project as a featured speaker during the Georgia Food Safety Conference, to be held Nov. 5- 6 at The Georgia Tech Research Institute Headquarters Conference Center (250 14th Street, Atlanta, GA).