Destroying forever chemicals, A government funded trust fund for underserved adults

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Water flows from a water fountain
In this Friday Jan. 7, 2011, photo, water flows from a water fountain at the Boys and Girls Club in Concord, N.H. The New Hampshire Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, to several bills meant to address concerns about contamination in the state’s drinking water from a class of toxic chemicals known collectively as PFAS. Jim Cole/AP Photo

Although PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” new research shows scientists may have found a way to break down the toxins using a common ingredient in soap. Then, an economics professor explains how baby bonds can help underserved adults pay for major life expenses like a house or college.

Featured in this Show

  • PFAS researcher breaks down ways to destroy forever chemicals

    Research published last month in the journal Science shows how scientists can break down one class of PFAS using sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. We speak with a professor at Michigan State University to learn more about the developing ways experts are learning to destroy forever chemicals.

  • Baby bonds providing financial leg up for young adults

    From Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., tribal and state governments are seeding trust funds called baby bonds. The programs help young people in underserved communities pay for college, buy houses, start businesses or pay for medical care. We talk to a researcher about the concept.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Trevor Hook Producer
  • Joel Patenaude Producer
  • Royce Podeszwa Technical Director
  • Maria Lopez Technical Director
  • A. Daniel Jones Guest
  • Naomi Zewde Guest

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