Beers contain 'Perpetual pollutants' known as 'Forever chemicals'
In a groundbreaking study, researchers led by Jennifer Hoponick Redmon at RTI International have discovered that there is a strong correlation between the contamination of municipal water and the levels of PFAS in the beer brewed with that water. The study, which analysed 23 beers from various regions across the U.S., found PFAS in 95% of the beers tested.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to water, grease, and stains. They are persistent in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a growing list of health concerns, including cancer, immune system disorders, and developmental issues.
The highest concentrations of PFAS were found in beers brewed in areas known for PFAS-contaminated water, such as North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. Beers brewed near this PFAS hotspot showed the highest PFAS levels and a wide variety of these chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS.
The study, which was conducted using a modified U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method for detecting PFAS in drinking water, is one of the first to connect PFAS contamination in drinking water directly to retail beer in the United States.
The study calls for brewers to consider upgrading water filtration systems, as breweries' water treatment systems are not typically designed to remove PFAS. It also urges regulators to set enforceable standards and fund infrastructure upgrades.
For brewers, the study recommends upgrading or implementing advanced water treatment and filtration systems specifically capable of removing PFAS, sourcing water from less contaminated supplies when possible, or considering mixing with PFAS-free water to dilute contamination, and regularly testing both brewing water and final beer products for PFAS to monitor contamination levels and adjust practices accordingly.
Regulators are encouraged to establish and enforce stricter PFAS limits in municipal drinking water, require routine PFAS monitoring of municipal water supplies, especially in regions near known contamination sources, and provide guidance and support for breweries to upgrade water treatment systems and adopt best practices for PFAS reduction.
The study also encourages consumers to become more aware of the origins of their beverages and water. Consumers are advised to prefer beers brewed in areas with low PFAS contamination in local water supplies, stay informed about local water quality reports and PFAS contamination issues in brewing regions, and support breweries that are transparent about water quality testing and are investing in PFAS reduction measures.
Jennifer Hoponick Redmon expressed hope that the findings of the study would inspire water treatment strategies and policies to reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future beers. The study was supported by an internal research grant from RTI International and focused on newly brewed beers rather than the entire market.
With PFOA and PFOS now under strict new EPA drinking water limits, regulatory actions focused on stricter water quality standards and improved treatment will be pivotal in reducing exposure from beer and other beverages. The study serves as a call to action for all parties involved in the beer industry to take steps towards ensuring the safety of their products and protecting public health.
