A new study has revealed the alarming presence of toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in drinking water samples from around the world. These hazardous substances, scientifically referred to as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are chemicals that do not naturally break down and persist in the environment, accumulating over time. The research has uncovered their widespread presence in both tap and bottled water in major cities across the UK, China, and other countries, sparking concerns about potential health impacts.
Widespread PFAS Contamination Found in Global Drinking Water
Researchers have identified 10 ‘target’ PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which were detected in over 99% of bottled water samples taken from 15 countries. Among the cities studied, significant differences in PFAS concentrations were observed. Tap water from Birmingham, UK, was found to have notably lower PFAS levels compared to water from Shenzhen, China, where concentrations were considerably higher.
Despite these findings, the study offers hope through evidence that simple water purification methods can significantly reduce PFAS levels. Both boiling water and using activated carbon filtration – such as a typical household water filter jug – were found to decrease PFAS concentrations by 50% to 90%, depending on the specific chemical and treatment method used.
Significant Findings Published by Leading Researchers
The study, published on 17 October in ACS ES&T Water, was conducted by a collaborative team from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology (Shenzhen), and Hainan University (Haikou). The research presents a broad analysis of PFAS contamination, showing that 63% of bottled water tested contained PFAS.
Professor Stuart Harrad from the University of Birmingham, a co-author of the study, emphasised the importance of these findings:
“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. While current PFAS levels in most water samples are not a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect public health.”
This research is a crucial step towards improving public health, providing vital data on PFAS contamination in drinking water and offering practical solutions to reduce exposure.
Bottled Water: Varying PFAS Levels and Safety
The research also assessed bottled water from various countries, finding varying levels of PFAS depending on the type of water. Natural mineral water generally had higher concentrations of these chemicals compared to purified water. Despite this, the levels of PFAS detected in bottled water were mostly below the health advisory limits set by regulatory authorities.
Professor Yi Zheng, from Southern University of Science and Technology and a co-author of the study, stressed the importance of increased awareness:
“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. Our findings also suggest that the potential health risks of PFAS in drinking water may be influenced by lifestyle and economic conditions, highlighting the need for future research to further explore these factors from a socio-economic perspective.”
The research found no significant differences in PFAS levels between bottled water stored in plastic versus glass, or between still and sparkling varieties. However, tap water samples from Shenzhen, China, revealed average PFOS concentrations exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2024.
Global Study Provides Crucial Insights
The researchers collected 112 bottled water samples from the UK and China, sourced from local shops and online supermarkets. These included 89 still and 23 sparkling waters, packaged in both plastic and glass bottles, covering 87 brands from 15 countries spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Additionally, 41 tap water samples were collected from homes across Birmingham and the nearby cities of Worcester, Coventry, and Derby. These were provided by South Staffordshire Water and Seven Trent Water. Meanwhile, 14 tap water samples were taken from homes in Shenzhen, China.
The Dangers of PFAS: Health Risks and Regulation
PFAS have been used extensively in various industries, including firefighting foams, waterproof clothing, and even school uniforms, due to their water and stain-resistant properties. Although some PFAS have been banned under government regulations, many are still in widespread use, and their toxic effects remain under scrutiny.
The presence of PFAS in drinking water is a growing concern due to the chemicals’ known health risks. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to adverse effects such as a weakened immune response to vaccinations, impaired liver function, reduced birth weights, and an increased risk of certain cancers. These chemicals can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or even skin contact.
The global research team has underscored the need for continued monitoring of PFAS levels and the implementation of stricter regulations to protect public health. While the current PFAS levels in most water samples do not pose an immediate health threat, ongoing research and regulation are essential to mitigate long-term exposure risks.
This research marks an important step in addressing the global PFAS crisis and highlights the need for better awareness and mitigation strategies to ensure safer drinking water for communities worldwide.
Sources:
- ACS ES&T Water, 17 October 2024.
- Materials provided by University of Birmingham. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
- Chuanzi Gao, Daniel Simon Drage, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Feng Quan, Kun Zhang, Shiyao Hu, Xue Zhao, Yi Zheng, Stuart Harrad, Wenhui Qiu. Factors Influencing Concentrations of PFAS in Drinking Water: Implications for Human Exposure. ACS ES&T Water, 2024; DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.4c00533
