Fluorine: Wonder Element or Environmental Menace? — Dr Will Brittain

Join the Royal Society of Chemistry Teesside Local Section at the Department of Chemistry, Durham University (Room CG91) for a fascinating evening on February 13th , 2026 at 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM exploring fluorine with Dr. Will Brittain (Durham University).

Fluorine is one of the most unique elements on the periodic table and its use in materials and drugs has come to define the age in which we live in. From anaesthetics to non-stick frying pans though to space exploration, none of these things would be possible without the power of the fluorine atom. However recently it has been found that chemicals that contain many fluorine atoms, commonly referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals”, can be dangerous for the environment and detrimental to human health. This talk will discuss how fluorine helped build the modern world, how Durham has contributed to these advances and how we need to be conscious when it comes to its ongoing use to prevent damaging our ecosystems.
Guests can arrive from 6:00 PM to join Durham University's regular Stirrer Bar event, offering a selection of drinks and snacks, with all proceeds going to charity. Will's talk will then commence at 6:30 PM.

The event is free of charge and open to all members of the public over 18.

Parking is available on site at Durham University. However, please note that there are a number of road works taking place in and around the Mountjoy area of the University at the moment, so please leave adequate time for accessing the site and parking as this can take longer than normal.

We look forward to seeing you all!

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