Study finds high levels of forever chemicals in US beers with contaminated water

Recent studies have revealed that certain beers brewed in the United States contain high levels of “forever chemicals,” exceeding the allowed EPA limit. A team from the ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology conducted a study to investigate how polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals” end up in beers and the extent of their presence.

Lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, expressed her concerns as an occasional beer drinker, suspecting that PFAS from water sources might be seeping into our favorite pints. She hopes that these findings will prompt the development of water treatment strategies and policies to mitigate the risk of PFAS contamination in future beer production.

While breweries have water filtration and treatment systems in place, they are not equipped to prevent PFAS from infiltrating the brews. By adapting an EPA testing tool for assessing PFAS levels in drinking water, Redmon’s team analyzed 23 different beers. The study included beers from areas with known water system contamination and other popular brands with unidentified water sources.

The results revealed elevated levels of PFAS in beers brewed in North Carolina, California, and Michigan. The researchers established a strong correlation between PFAS concentrations in municipal drinking water and the levels found in locally brewed beers. In 95% of the beers tested, PFAS, specifically perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, were detected, exceeding recently established EPA limits in drinking water.

Interestingly, international beers tested, including one from Holland and two from Mexico, showed lower instances of detectable PFAS. The research team concluded that there is a direct link between PFAS in drinking water and the presence of these chemicals in beer, indicating that contaminated drinking water is a primary source of PFAS contamination in beer production.

These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and regulating PFAS levels in both drinking water and beer to ensure consumer safety. It is crucial for breweries to implement measures to prevent PFAS contamination in their brewing processes. By raising awareness about the presence of “forever chemicals” in beers, steps can be taken to minimize exposure and protect public health.

In conclusion, the study underscores the need for further research and action to address PFAS contamination in the brewing industry. By understanding the sources and implications of these chemicals in beer production, steps can be taken to safeguard consumer health and well-being.

Nick Butler is a Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital. For any inquiries or tips, contact Nick.Butler@Fox.com.