PFAS AKA “Forever Chemicals”

Photo of firefighter using foam to put out a car fire
The Story of PFAS PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) or ‘forever chemicals’ are a class of over 15,000 toxic chemicals. Members of this chemical class feature the strongest chemical bond known to organic chemistry- the carbon fluorine bond. This incredible chemical bond leads to properties like not reacting with other substances- including an ability to repel grease, oil, and water. In this story, chemical manufacturers wanted to give their products these properties, such as jackets that didn’t get wet, refrigerants that didn’t corrode copper pipes, and ...

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Lead in Oregon’s Drinking Water

Image of water sample being taken from drinking fountain
Where it comes from, health impacts, and who is working to solve these problems.

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Toxics Lurking in Our Water

Learning what toxics issues are top of mind for Oregon communities.

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