Think your beer is just water, hops, and barley? Think again. A shocking new study reveals that nearly all beer in the U.S. contains dangerous ‘forever chemicals’—and the culprit might be your tap water.

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology has uncovered the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in 95% of beer samples tested across the United States. These synthetic compounds, chaotic persistence in the environment and potential health risks, is believed to enter beer primarily through contaminated tap water used in the brewing process.

What are PFAS and How Do they Effect Us?

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been developed in order to repel water, oil and stains. They are found in numerous consumer products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. Due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS are resistant to degradation, leading to their accumulation in the environment and human body.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health issues, such as:

• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Hormonal disruptions
• Liver and kidney damage
• Immune system suppression
• Developmental effects in infants and children

Given that beer consists of approximately 90% water, the quality of water used in brewing is crucial. The study found that standard water filtration systems employed by breweries may not effectively remove PFAS, allowing these chemicals to be in the final product.

Key Findings from the Study

Researchers from RTI International conducted the study by analyzing 23 beers from various regions, particularly focusing on areas with known PFAS water contamination. The findings revealed:

• PFAS were detected in 95% of the beer samples tested.
• Beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina and St. Louis County, Missouri, exhibited the highest levels of PFAS.
• The types of PFAS detected included perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), both of which have been associated with adverse health effects.

The study underscores a strong correlation between PFAS levels in municipal drinking water and those found in locally brewed beers. This suggests that the primary source of PFAS contamination in beer is the water used during the brewing process

What does this mean for New York Beer Drinkers?

As of April 2024, tests conducted on NYC’s reservoir network detected no measurable levels of 29 PFAS compounds. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection continues to monitor water quality vigilantly, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards.

Meaning that NYC tap water is particularly clean and have safe or no indication of those 29 PFA compounds. Other places in NY in the other hand are not so clean. FAS contamination has been detected in public water systems in neighboring counties, including Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk. These findings suggest that products manufactured or brewed in these areas, such as certain beers, could contain PFAS.

Implications for Consumers and Brewing Industry

The presence of PFAS in beer raises concerns for both consumers and brewers:

• Consumers: Individuals consuming beer brewed in areas with known PFAS water contamination may be at increased risk of exposure to these chemicals.
• Brewers: Breweries may need to reassess their water treatment processes to ensure the removal of PFAS, potentially investing in advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters.

Lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon emphasized the importance of these findings, stating,

“I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours.”

Regulatory Landscape and Future Directions

In response to growing concerns about PFAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed stringent limits for PFAS compounds in drinking water. However, regulations specifically targeting PFAS levels in beverages like beer are currently lacking. This study highlights the need for comprehensive policies addressing PFAS contamination across various consumer products.

As awareness of PFAS contamination continues to grow, both consumers and industry stakeholders must collaborate to ensure the safety and quality of beverages like beer. Implementing effective water treatment solutions and establishing clear regulatory guidelines will be essential steps in addressing this pervasive issue.