PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) are back at the center of international debate thanks to a recent BBC investigation, which highlights the global spread of these persistent chemicals—known as “forever chemicals”—and growing concerns about their effects on the environment and human health.
👉 Read the BBC article:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8z8pv1e0ko
The BBC’s in-depth report highlights how PFAS are present in numerous everyday products and can accumulate in the environment and living organisms, raising increasingly urgent questions about safety, regulation, and mitigation strategies.
A key issue for scientific research too
The issues raised by the BBC are fully in line with the research and dissemination work carried out by the Bologna-Ozzano “Rita Levi-Montalcini” Technopole and IRET Foundation, which are committed to studying the effects of PFAS and promoting international scientific debate.
In recent months, the Technopole has hosted and promoted:
- an international conference dedicated to PFAS, with contributions from Italian and foreign researchers and institutions – in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe);
- the presentation of new scientific findings on the effects of PFAS, particularly short-chain compounds;
- dissemination activities aimed at citizens and the scientific community.
Information, research and awareness
The BBC’s media coverage confirms that PFAS is now a global priority. In this context, the role of independent scientific research and accurate information becomes fundamental to understanding the risks, supporting public policies, and guiding more sustainable choices.