**The Not-So-Secret Life of Chemicals in Chip Production** 
*By Aaron Clark*
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The race for dominance in artificial intelligence is all about microchips, but there's a crucial aspect of the semiconductor industry that's often overlooked: its significant contribution to chemical pollution associated with serious health risks, including cancer.

Last year, global chip sales skyrocketed by over 19%, hitting around $628 billion, as reported by the Semiconductor Industry Association. They're anticipating another year of impressive double-digit growth by 2025. This surge makes it increasingly urgent to tackle the impact of so-called "forever chemicals." These substances are not just lurking in the manufacturing process; they're also found in everyday products like firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, and waterproof jackets. Meanwhile, regulators in the US and Europe are starting to crack down on pollution in municipal water supplies, pushing for stricter limits.

In light of this growing demand for cleaner practices, several startups are stepping up with innovative solutions. While they may not eliminate these chemicals from the supply chain entirely, they're focused on developing methods to break them down and minimize their harmful effects.

*Workers at an Oxyle facility.
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**Daniel Kunz**

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, have infiltrated every part of the globe—from the rainwater in the Himalayas to the whales off the coast of the Faroe Islands, and even in the blood of nearly every human tested. Dubbed "forever chemicals," these substances are notorious for their durability, which simultaneously contributes to their desirability and their environmental persistence. Research increasingly links PFAS exposure to a range of health problems, including obesity, infertility, and cancer.

Lee Bell, a technical and policy advisor for the International Pollutants Elimination Network, emphasized the immediate need to halt any further industrial PFAS pollution and address existing contamination. He pointed out that incineration is not a viable solution, urging the exploration of innovative technologies to tackle this pressing issue.

One company making strides in the fight against PFAS is Oxyle AG, based in Switzerland. Their modular system can effectively treat various types of water, from groundwater to industrial wastewater. The process involves generating bubbles smaller than a millimeter—smaller than a grain of salt—in PFAS-contaminated water. These tiny bubbles effectively capture PFAS molecules, allowing the chemicals to be broken down into harmless minerals such as carbon dioxide and fluorides, with no toxic byproducts remaining.

Oxyle's technology outperforms conventional filtration methods by significantly reducing PFAS concentrations. The company claims it can lower levels from over 8,700 parts per trillion (ppt) to below 14 ppt—achieving a remarkable elimination rate of over 99%. This lower concentration hovers around the detection limits for the six specific compounds tested. Furthermore, Oxyle has indicated that additional treatment time or adjustments to the catalyst can result in even lower PFAS levels.

Fajer Mushtaq, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Oxyle, advocated for a decentralization of treatment efforts. "If we want to create a scalable and cost-effective impact, we need to address the issue closer to its source," he stated. "This means treating drinking water where the problem resides."
Edited by Bosman

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