Is Your Beer Tainted? Study finds “Forever Chemicals” in US brews
That refreshing pint of craft beer might come with an unwelcome ingredient: “forever chemicals.” A recent study by RTI International has revealed the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in beers brewed across the United States. The culprit? Municipal drinking water used in the brewing process.
The findings, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology and highlighted by Newsweek, indicate that beers produced in areas with known water contamination are particularly susceptible. This raises serious questions about the safety of our favorite beverages and the broader issue of environmental contaminants in the food and drink supply.
PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the habitat and human body, are synthetic compounds found in everyday products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and fire-fighting foam. As the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has noted, exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health concerns, including hormonal disruptions, immune system damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
The study cast a wide net, analyzing beers from nine states: North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Missouri, as well as international beers from Mexico and the Netherlands. The highest concentrations of PFAS were detected in beers brewed in Chatham and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina, and Kent County in Michigan. these regions have previously been identified as having PFAS-contaminated water systems, making local breweries especially vulnerable.
The research further revealed that approximately 18% of US breweries operate in zip codes with detectable levels of PFAS in the water supply. Smaller breweries, which often rely on municipal water without additional treatment, showed the highest levels of contamination. This suggests that craft breweries, while celebrated for their unique flavors and local ingredients, might potentially be inadvertently serving up a side of unwanted chemicals.
Is your Beer Tainted? Expert Discusses “Forever chemicals” in US Brews
Time.news: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into a concerning trend: the presence of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in beer. We’re joined by Dr. Evelyn Reed, an environmental toxicology specialist, to shed light on this issue. Dr. Reed, thanks for being with us.
Dr. Reed: It’s my pleasure. This is a critical conversation to have.
Time.news: let’s start with the basics. A recent study highlighted the presence of PFAS in US-brewed beers, linking it to municipal drinking water. Can you explain the significance of this finding?
Dr. Reed: Absolutely. The RTI International study is quite significant because it points to a direct pathway for PFAS contamination into a widely consumed beverage [[1]]. The fact that municipal drinking water, a key ingredient in beer, is the source highlights a broader problem: widespread PFAS contamination in our water systems.
Time.news: For our readers who may not be familiar,what are PFAS,and why are they called “forever chemicals”?
dr. Reed: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in countless products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam.They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the habitat or the human body. This persistence is what makes them so concerning.
Time.news: The article mentions potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.Can you elaborate on those?
Dr. Reed: The EPA has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns, including hormonal disruption, immune system damage, increased cholesterol levels, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. It’s crucial to minimize exposure as much as possible.
Time.news: The study examined beers from various states.Were certain regions more affected than others?
Dr. Reed: yes, the study analyzed beers from nine states – North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Missouri – and also looked at international beers [[1]]. The highest concentrations were found in beers brewed in regions already known to have PFAS-contaminated water systems, like Chatham and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina, and Kent County in Michigan. This correlation underscores the link between local water quality and beer contamination.
Time.news: What about smaller breweries? the article suggests they might be more vulnerable.
Dr. Reed: That’s correct. The research showed that smaller breweries, especially those relying directly on municipal water without advanced filtration systems, tended to have higher levels of PFAS contamination [[2]]. Larger breweries often have the resources to invest in sophisticated water treatment technologies that can remove PFAS.
Time.news: So, what can breweries do to address this issue?
Dr. Reed: The first step is awareness and testing. Breweries need to understand the PFAS levels in their water source. Then, they can explore various water treatment options, such as activated carbon filtration or reverse osmosis, which are effective in removing PFAS. It’s an investment, but it’s vital for protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.
Time.news: What advice do you have for consumers who are concerned about PFAS in their beer?
Dr. Reed: It’s a tough question. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know for sure which beers are fully PFAS-free without specific testing data. Though, consumers can consider supporting breweries that are clear about their water sourcing and treatment processes. They can also research breweries located in areas with known water contamination issues and perhaps opt for beers from breweries with verified water filtration systems. Supporting larger, international brands doesn’t guarantee PFAS-free beer but research showed some degree of reduction across various six-packs of the same beer [[2]].
Time.news: Is there any broader action being taken to address PFAS contamination in general?
Dr. Reed: Yes,thankfully. The EPA is working on setting stricter regulations for PFAS in drinking water, which will help reduce contamination at the source. There’s also increasing research into effective remediation technologies to clean up existing PFAS contamination in the environment.
Time.news: Dr. Reed, this has been incredibly informative.Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr.Reed: PFAS contamination is a serious issue, but it’s not insurmountable. Increased awareness, proactive measures by breweries, and robust government regulations are all crucial steps in ensuring the safety of our food and drink supply. Stay informed, ask questions, and support businesses that prioritize environmental obligation.
