Designer Emy Bensdorp has unveiled a project at Dutch Design Week that effectively eliminates PFAS forever chemicals from polluted clay soil by turning it into bricks. PFAS is an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals commonly used in the manufacture of non-stick pans, umbrellas and waterproof mascara, but now recognized as hazardous.
Using a conventional brick manufacturing process, Bensdorp subjects the ceramics to temperatures between 900 and 1,200 degrees Celsius in a kiln. This process effectively eliminates all traces of PFAS chemicals in the final product. Although the designer is confident that no toxic emissions or particles are released during this process, further testing is required to confirm this.
All photography courtesy of CLAYBENS
