A new study has revealed that toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) have made their way into one of America’s most popular beverages — beer. Researchers from the American Chemical Society tested 23 beers brewed in different parts of the United States and discovered that 95% contained PFAS, with the highest levels detected in regions with known water contamination.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic compounds used for their resistance to water, oil, and stains. Because of their extreme persistence in the environment, they accumulate in soil, water, and even food products. These substances have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and hormonal disruption, raising new concerns for both consumers and brewers.
Lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon explained her motivation: “As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints. I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours.”
By adapting a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing method, the team measured PFAS in beers brewed near contaminated water systems as well as in large commercial brands with undisclosed water sources. Their analysis revealed a direct link between PFAS concentrations in local drinking water and levels found in nearby breweries’ products.
Notably, beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina—an area with long-standing PFAS pollution—contained the most diverse mix of these chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, which now have strict EPA limits in drinking water.
The findings underscore how pollution in water supplies can infiltrate widely consumed products. The researchers urge regulators, brewers, and consumers to recognize this risk and call for upgraded water treatment systems as PFAS regulations tighten nationwide.
Toxic “Forever Chemicals” Detected in 95% of U.S. Beers, Study Finds
