A recent study has uncovered alarming evidence that drinking water samples from around the world are contaminated with dangerous “forever chemicals”, scientifically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These long-lasting toxins, found in both bottled and tap water, pose serious health risks, as they accumulate in the environment and in human bodies.
The research, conducted by scientists from Birmingham University, Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, and Hainan University, tested bottled water samples from 15 countries. Shockingly, over 99% of the samples contained PFAS chemicals. These substances, which take hundreds of years to break down, are so persistent in the environment that they are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. These chemicals were found in both tap water and bottled water, with ten specific PFAS compounds identified, particularly in the major cities of the UK and China.
PFAS are used in a wide array of consumer products such as pesticides, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and even cosmetics. These chemicals make their way into water systems through wastewater from everyday activities. Once in the environment, they remain for decades, if not centuries, and can build up in the bodies of humans and animals, potentially leading to a range of serious health problems.
Global Water Contamination
The study highlights that the contamination level of PFAS varies by country and water source. Bottled waters were particularly examined, and findings showed that PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) were present in nearly every sample tested. These two toxic chemicals are among the most common types of PFAS, widely recognised for their potential to cause harm to the immune system, increase cholesterol levels, and even elevate the risk of some types of cancer.
Additionally, researchers found that purified water generally contained lower concentrations of these chemicals compared to natural mineral water. Nonetheless, even purified water still contained trace levels of PFAS, with many samples approaching the upper limits of regulatory health guidelines. While most of the PFAS concentrations were found to be below these guidelines, the potential risks should not be ignored.
Higher PFAS Levels in Chinese Water
In comparison, the study found that tap water samples from China, specifically from major cities such as Shenzhen, contained significantly higher levels of PFAS than tap water in the UK. In fact, some samples of Chinese tap water exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), particularly for PFOS, which surpassed the safety threshold of 4 ng/L.
The presence of these chemicals in drinking water has raised public health concerns, especially as the long-term effects of PFAS exposure are still being researched. The persistent nature of these toxins makes continuous monitoring essential to ensure water safety.
Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water
One positive finding from the research was the effectiveness of simple water treatment methods in reducing PFAS levels. The study revealed that using basic water filtration techniques, such as a pitcher filter or boiling water, can reduce PFAS levels by between 50% and 90%. While these methods do not entirely eliminate the chemicals, they significantly lower the risks posed by contaminated water.
Professor Stuart Harrad from Birmingham University emphasised the importance of these findings, noting that although the PFAS levels found in most water samples do not pose an immediate health risk, reducing exposure through effective filtration is a crucial step in protecting public health. Harrad added that continuous monitoring and regulation of these chemicals are vital for safeguarding communities worldwide.
A Global Call for Action
As awareness grows about the dangers of PFAS in drinking water, experts like Professor Yi Zheng from Southern University of Science and Technology suggest that this could encourage consumers to make more informed choices about water treatment options. The research also highlights the need for further investigation into how socioeconomic factors may influence the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
This ground-breaking research serves as a wake-up call to governments, regulatory bodies, and individuals alike. Reducing PFAS levels in drinking water is an essential step toward ensuring a safer future for communities across the globe. The study’s findings underscore the urgency of developing more sustainable solutions for clean drinking water, as well as the importance of individual efforts in reducing chemical exposure through water purification methods.
