Forever chemicals” found in 99% of drinking water in 15 countries
Highly durable and long-lasting toxins, known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in drinking water samples from around the world, according to a new study.
Scientists discovered PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals that do not break down in nature, in more than 99% of bottled water samples from 15 countries around the world, as well as in tap water.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they can take centuries to break down in the environment, can accumulate in the bodies of living organisms and have been linked to serious health problems. They are used in various products, such as pesticides, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and cosmetics, and can enter wastewater through many everyday activities. Some have been banned by law, while the use of others remains widespread, with their toxic effects not yet fully investigated.
Both in bottled water and in tap water
As reported by the Independent, in the study published in the journal ACS ES&T Water researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK and those from Shenzhen and Haikou in China found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were the PFAS detected in nearly all samples of bottled water from 15 countries.
Scientists discovered different levels of PFAS in bottled waters from various countries, with purified water containing lower concentrations than natural mineral water – however, the concentrations were mostly below the limits set by regulatory authorities.
They also noted that tap water in China had higher concentrations of PFAS compared to tap water in Britain, after examining samples from Birmingham and Shenzhen, with PFOS concentrations in tap water samples from the Chinese city exceeding the limit set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), which is 4 ng/L.
Precautionary measures
They also found that measures including boiling and activated carbon filtration, typically through a water filter pitcher, can reduce PFAS concentrations by between 50 and 90 percent.
Co-author of the study Stuart Harrad, a professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, stated: “Our findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of simple treatment methods to reduce their levels. Whether using a simple water filter pitcher or boiling the water, a significant percentage of these substances is removed.
Although current levels of PFAS in most water samples do not pose a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are vital for protecting public health. We provide valuable data on the presence of PFAS in drinking water along with practical solutions to mitigate consumer exposure through drinking water. This is an important step towards ensuring safer drinking water for communities around the world.
The samples
Researchers purchased 112 plastic or glass bottled water bottles – 23 sparkling and 89 still water – from local stores and online supermarkets in the United Kingdom and China, including 87 bottles of water from sources located in 15 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
They also took 41 tap water samples from homes in Birmingham, Worcester, Coventry, and Derby, and 14 from homes in Shenzhen.
