A new global study reveals the alarming presence of toxic PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in both bottled and tap water. Researchers offer practical solutions to mitigate exposure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring to safeguard public health.
A new study has uncovered the widespread presence of toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water samples sourced from around the globe, with significant implications for public health. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen (SUSTech) and Hainan University in Haikou, is published in ACS ES&T Water.
The investigation found 10 target PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) – notorious for their persistence in nature – in tap and bottled water samples from major cities in the UK and China. Over 99% of bottled water samples sourced from 15 countries tested positive for dangerous chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
PFAS, known for their resistance to breaking down, are widely used in industrial applications and everyday consumer products, from waterproof clothing to firefighting foams and personal care items.
The health risks associated with PFAS are well-documented, including impaired liver function, decreased birth weight and increased risk of certain cancers.
“Our findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of simple treatment methods to reduce their levels. Either using a simple water filtration jug or boiling the water removes a substantial proportion of these substances,” co-author Stuart Harrad, a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Birmingham, said in a news release.
The study noted that although current PFAS levels in most water samples are not yet a major health concern, consistent monitoring and regulatory action are necessary to ensure public health safety.
The researchers emphasized that methods such as activated carbon filtration and boiling can effectively reduce PFAS levels in drinking water by 50% to 90%, depending on the specific PFAS and treatment applied.
“Increased awareness about the presence of PFAS in both tap and bottled water can lead to more informed choices by consumers, encouraging the use of water purification methods,” co-author Yi Zheng, a professor and an associate dean of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at SUSTech, said in the news release.
He also highlighted the need for further research to understand how lifestyle and economic conditions influence the potential health risks of PFAS exposure.
Bottled water samples indicated varying levels of PFAS, with natural mineral water generally containing higher concentrations than purified water. However, most levels remained below regulatory health advisory limits. Differences in PFAS concentration were also observed between tap water samples from Birmingham and Shenzhen, with higher levels detected in Chinese water.
The extensive sampling process involved testing 112 bottled water samples from the UK and China, including 87 different brands, and 41 tap water samples from cities in the UK and 14 from Shenzhen, China. The findings stress the global nature of PFAS contamination and the urgent need for effective, accessible solutions to limit human exposure through drinking water.
With this study, researchers are setting the stage for critical discussions about water safety and public health. The data provided offers a crucial stepping stone towards more robust regulations and innovative solutions to ensure safer drinking water for communities worldwide.