Researchers have unveiled concerning data regarding the presence of PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals,” in drinking water around the globe, including bottled water.
The study, published in ACS ES&T Water, detected perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in over 99% of the bottled water samples analyzed, which spanned 15 countries. The sampled bottled water included 87 brands.
“While current PFAS levels in most water samples are not a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect public health,” said researcher Dr. Stuart Harrad from the University of Birmingham.
Harrard said treatment methods such as boiling water can significantly reduce the chemicals, ranging from 50% to 90%.
Researchers further noted that these chemicals can increase cancer rates, and lower vaccine effectiveness.
Despite the detection of PFAS, the levels in most water samples did not exceed immediate health concern thresholds, yet the researchers advocate for continued monitoring and regulation to safeguard public health.
Variations in PFAS levels were also noted between different types of bottled water. Natural mineral water typically contained higher concentrations than purified water, though generally, these were below the health advisory levels set by regulatory bodies like the US EPA.
