In recent years, there has been growing concern over the presence of Forever Chemicals, scientifically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), in the environment, as a result of industrial manufacturing. PFAS are commonly used as a repellent for grease or water and found in nonstick pans, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags and kitchen utensils.
PFAS chemicals pose significant risks to both human health and the environment due to their persistence and toxicity. To address this pressing issue, it is imperative that we prioritize the discovery of PFAS in the design and future manufacturing of eco-friendly products.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step forward by providing rules that will require some PFAS chemicals to be reduced to near-zero levels in drinking water. The EPA will exercise its enforcement discretion under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in matters involving PFAS substances. The EPA will hold responsible entities who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS contamination into the environment, including parties that have manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in the manufacturing process, federal facilities, and other industrial parties.
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/pfas-enforcement-discretion-and-settlement-policy-under-cercla
However, the elimination of PFAS chemicals presents a considerable challenge, as they are notoriously difficult to detect and remove. Moreover, the process of eliminating PFAS from water sources can be expensive and complex, posing a significant burden for water utility companies.
One proactive approach to addressing the PFAS problem is to focus on discovery of products that contain Forever Chemicals and redesign products using ecofriendly alternatives to prevent new PFAS contamination. By incorporating comprehensive detection, measurement and analysis of construction, manufacturing, and production materials, companies can identify and eliminate PFAS throughout their supply chains. This approach not only helps protect human health and the environment but also reduces the financial and regulatory risks associated with PFAS contamination and remediation.
Sustain360™, a groundbreaking sustainability platform, offers a solution to this challenge by leveraging next-generation Graphical Database Managed Services (G-DBMS) technology and Generative AI. Sustain360™ is known for its industry leading GHG emission reductions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and its ability to conduct complete product Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) from Cradle-to-Gate.
One of the key differentiators of Sustain360™ is its molecular-level analysis of product materials, which flags forever chemicals and leverages Generative AI to suggest eco-friendly alternatives. By evaluating alternative materials, chemicals and suppliers, companies can reduce their environmental impact while safeguarding the health and safety of consumers.
Additionally, Sustain360™ offers optimization tools that balance financial and climate performance, allowing companies to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals. By integrating AI and graph technologies, Sustain360™ provides a unified platform for sustainability assessment, empowering companies to adopt eco-friendly design practices without compromising their bottom line.
In conclusion, the need to discover and eliminate PFAS chemicals during product design is more critical than ever. By leveraging Sustain360™, companies can take proactive steps to address this pressing environmental challenge while promoting a more sustainable future for all.
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