Study Finds Cancer-Linked Forever Chemicals in 95% of US Beers Tested

A recent study by researchers from RTI International and published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology found that 95% of 23 tested beers across the U.S. contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, with levels exceeding the EPA's safety limits for drinking water. These synthetic chemicals, linked to cancer and other health risks, likely enter beer through contaminated municipal water supplies used in brewing, as standard brewery water filtration systems are not designed to remove PFAS. Beers from areas with documented water contamination, particularly North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin, California, and Michigan, showed the highest levels and diversity of PFAS compounds. International beers tested had lower or undetectable PFAS levels, highlighting the regional water contamination connection. The study underscores a strong correlation between PFAS concentrations in local drinking water and those found in beer, raising concerns about contamination routes including water, ingredients, packaging, and cleaning processes. Research lead Jennifer Hoponick Redmon emphasized the need for improved water treatment strategies to reduce PFAS presence in consumables like beer.