Researchers discovered PFAS in 95% of examined beers, with the very best ranges linked to contaminated native water sources.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), higher generally known as eternally chemical substances, are gaining notoriety for his or her potential to linger within the surroundings and for potential hyperlinks to well being issues. Now, scientists are discovering these chemical substances in shocking locations, together with beer. A research printed in ACS Environmental Science & Expertise analyzed beers brewed throughout completely different areas of the US. The outcomes confirmed that the very best PFAS ranges appeared in beers made in areas the place native water provides are already recognized to be contaminated.
“As an occasional beer drinker myself, I questioned whether or not PFAS in water provides was making its means into our pints,” says analysis lead Jennifer Hoponick Redmon. “I hope these findings encourage water therapy methods and insurance policies that assist cut back the chance of PFAS in future pours.”
PFAS are artificial chemical substances created for his or her potential to withstand water, oil, and stains. They’ve been detected in rivers, groundwater, and public water programs throughout the U.S. and globally. Whereas breweries usually use water therapy and filtration processes, these programs will not be geared up to filter out PFAS.
To discover the extent of contamination, Hoponick Redmon and her group tailored a U.S. Environmental Safety Company (EPA) methodology usually used to check PFAS ranges in consuming water. They utilized this strategy to 23 beers, together with these from American breweries positioned in areas with documented water contamination in addition to well-known home and worldwide manufacturers that supply their water from much less clear areas.
Beer and Water Contamination Hyperlinks
The researchers discovered a robust correlation between PFAS concentrations in municipal consuming water and ranges in domestically brewed beer — a phenomenon that Hoponick Redmon and colleagues say has not but been studied in U.S. retail beer. They discovered PFAS in 95% of the beers they examined. These embody perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two forever chemicals with recently established EPA limits in drinking water. Notably, the team found that beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina, an area with known PFAS pollution, had the highest levels and most diverse mix of forever chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA.
This work shows that PFAS contamination at one source can spread into other products, and the researchers call for greater awareness among brewers, consumers, and regulators to limit overall PFAS exposure. These results also highlight the possible need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities as PFAS regulations in drinking water change or updates to municipal water system treatment are implemented.
Reference: “Hold My Beer: The Linkage between Municipal Water and Brewing Location on PFAS in Popular Beverages” by Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, Nicole M. DeLuca, Evan Thorp, Chamindu Liyanapatirana, Laura Allen and Andrew J. Kondash, 24 April 2025, Environmental Science & Technology.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c11265
The authors acknowledge funding from an internal research grant from RTI International.
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