Scientists have found harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ present in drinking water samples from various locations worldwide.
A recent study has revealed that harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ are found in drinking water samples globally.
Researchers identified 10 ‘target’ PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) — chemicals that don’t break down in the environment — in both tap and bottled water from major cities in the UK and China. Over 99% of bottled water samples from 15 countries contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
There were notable differences in PFAS concentration levels between tap water from Birmingham, UK, and Shenzhen, China, with the latter showing higher PFAS levels.
The study indicates that methods like boiling water or using activated carbon filtration (often through a ‘jug’ filter) can significantly diminish PFAS concentrations, achieving removal rates between 50% to 90%, based on the particular PFAS and treatment method employed.
In their findings published today (17 October) in ACS ES&T Water, researchers from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, and Hainan University in Haikou reported that PFAS contamination was present in a significant percentage — starting at 63% — of the bottled water tested.
Co-author Professor Stuart Harrad from the University of Birmingham stated, “Our research emphasizes the widespread occurrence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of basic treatment techniques in lowering their levels. Simple measures like boiling or using a water filter can remove a considerable amount of these chemicals.”
“While most samples currently show PFAS levels that aren’t a serious health threat, monitoring and regulation remain vital for public safety. Our research provides important insights into the presence of PFAS in drinking water and practical methods to reduce consumer exposure, marking significant progress toward safer drinking water worldwide.”
Bottled water from different nations exhibited varying PFAS levels, with natural mineral water generally possessing higher concentrations than purified water; however, the levels were mostly below health advisory limits set by regulatory bodies.
Co-author Professor Yi Zheng from the Southern University of Science and Technology remarked, “Heightened awareness about PFAS in both tap and bottled water can empower consumers to make better choices and promote the use of water purification techniques.”
Our research also indicates that the potential health risks posed by PFAS in drinking water may be affected by lifestyle and economic factors, underscoring the need for future studies to analyze these elements from a socio-economic viewpoint.”
Beyond the differences noted between natural mineral and purified water, the researchers did not find significant variations in PFAS levels between glass and plastic bottles or between still and sparkling water.
While most individual PFAS concentrations were considerably below the health-based reference levels, the average PFOS concentration in tap water from Shenzhen surpassed the newly established maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2024.
The researchers procured 112 bottled water samples from local retailers and online markets in the UK and China, including 89 still and 23 sparkling waters, packaged in either plastic or glass bottles. The samples represented 87 brands drawing water from 15 nations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
They also collected 41 tap water samples from residences in Birmingham and nearby cities — Worcester, Coventry, and Derby — supplied by South Staffordshire Water and Seven Trent Water, alongside 14 tap water samples from homes in Shenzhen.
PFAS have widespread use in various industries, fire-fighting foams, and consumer goods, including waterproof clothing, school uniforms, and personal care products, due to their water and stain-resistant features. While some types have been banned by regulations, many remain in use, and their toxic impacts are still not entirely understood.
These chemicals are known to enter the body in multiple ways, such as inhalation, ingestion through food or water, or absorption through the skin. They can lead to detrimental health effects, including a weakened immune response to vaccines, liver function issues, lower birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
