A recent study has uncovered that almost all drinking water contains ‘forever chemicals’ that do not break down naturally. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their long-lasting nature and links to severe health conditions, were found in over 99% of bottled water samples from 15 different countries worldwide. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, and Hainan University in Haikou, identified 10 ‘target’ PFAS in tap and bottled water in major UK and Chinese cities.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment, have various everyday applications such as in pesticides, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and cosmetics. While some PFAS are banned by government regulations, others are still widely used, leading to concerns over their toxic effects. The accumulation of PFAS in living organisms has raised alarms over potential health risks associated with their consumption through drinking water.
The study revealed that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the most commonly found PFAS in the bottled water samples tested. Interestingly, purified water contained lower PFAS concentrations compared to natural mineral water. Testing between Birmingham and Shenzhen showed higher concentrations of PFAS in Chinese tap water, with levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level.
Simple treatment methods such as boiling water or using activated carbon filtration, like a ‘jug’ water filter, showed promise in reducing PFAS concentrations by 50-90% in drinking water. Co-author Professor Stuart Harrad emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and regulation to safeguard public health. He highlighted the need for practical solutions to mitigate consumer exposure to PFAS through drinking water, ensuring safer water sources globally.
Co-author Professor Yi Zheng stressed the importance of consumer awareness in making informed choices about water consumption and the use of purification methods. The researchers collected and analyzed 112 bottled water samples and 41 tap water samples from various locations in the UK and China, providing valuable data on PFAS contamination levels. This study serves as a significant step towards addressing the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water and advocating for safer practices to protect communities worldwide.