Finding PFAS with a Particle Accelerator: The Intersection of Science and Policy
September 15 (Vanderbilt, 2:30 p.m. kickoff)
11 a.m.
101 Jordan Hall of Science
Graham Peaslee, professor of physics
The St. Andre accelerator facility in the Nuclear Science Laboratory is now operational, and is being used for several types of societal applications of nuclear science. These range from archaeology, to flame retardants, to tattoos, and to trace element contamination. Learn about how the accelerator is being used to screen for an emerging class of chemicals of concern: Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS). These are ubiquitous in in our textiles, food packaging, personal care products and various industrial uses. Learn about interesting recent results, but know that the most significant effects of these findings may be the policy changes that result from public attention surrounding the results.