A new study finds that 95% of beers tested in the U.S. contain PFAS, with the highest concentrations in regions with known water contamination, raising health and regulatory concerns.
At a Glance
- Researchers tested 23 beers from various U.S. brewers and popular brands; PFAS were detected in 95% of them.
- Higher PFAS levels were found in beers brewed in or near areas with known contamination in municipal water systems.
- Specific PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA were among the chemicals identified; these are subject to newly established EPA limits in drinking water.
- Brewers’ filtration systems are typically not designed to remove PFAS.
Sources of Contamination
Researchers led by Jennifer Hoponick Redmon from RTI International adapted EPA methods to test for PFAS in beer. They considered breweries in regions already documented to have PFAS in their municipal water, as well as beers from larger companies where water source was less known.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used for water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties. They persist in the environment (thus “forever chemicals”) and can accumulate in water supplies, surface water, groundwater, and now apparently in beverages.
Watch now: Study finds traces of PFAS in most beers, including …
Implications & Next Steps
Because beer is made with water, contamination in the municipal water supply translates to contamination in beer. Regions like the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina — known for PFAS pollution — showed both high levels and diversity of PFAS in beers produced there.
The study raises concerns for public health agencies, consumers, and brewers. Possible responses include upgrading water treatment at brewing facilities or modifying municipal water treatment standards as EPA and state-level regulations on PFAS evolve.
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