PFAS contamination drives new air monitoring in Alessandria and 3D‑printed water‑filter solutions

Monitoring by the regional environmental agency confirmed the presence of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the air around the Alessandria chemical complex. The mayor, Giorgio Abonante, called the PM10‑filter analysis a "reliable and robust methodology" and urged that it become mandatory under the plant’s Integrated Environmental Permit, with costs borne by the company. The findings highlight ongoing health concerns, as residents have been found with PFAS in their blood.

At the same time, the persistence of PFAS in water supplies is prompting engineering innovations. 3D printing is being explored to produce specialised filters, membranes and modular treatment structures that can more efficiently remove these chemicals from drinking water. The article notes the severe health effects linked to PFAS exposure, recent massive legal settlements in the United States involving 3M, DuPont, Chemours and Corteva, and the growing regulatory pressure worldwide to limit PFAS contamination.