PFAS Found in Almost All U.S. Beers

A recent study has found that nearly all sampled beers in the United States contain PFAS—chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and links to serious health conditions. Out of 23 tested beers, only one lacked detectable levels of these so-called “forever chemicals.”

Researchers examined a mix of craft beers from various states, major domestic products, and a handful of international brands. They observed a clear pattern: PFAS levels in the beer frequently mirrored those in the local water supply. This connection points to the brewing water as the primary source of contamination.

“We’re not trying to scare people away from beer,” said Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead author and senior environmental health scientist at RTI International. “But we do want consumers, brewers, and policymakers to make informed decisions based on data.”

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals, currently numbering around 15,000, appear in products designed to resist water, grease, and stains. Their durability means they do not break down naturally, leading them to accumulate in the environment and the human body over time.

Scientific research has connected PFAS exposure to several health risks, including:

• Cancer
• Birth defects
• Immune system suppression
• High cholesterol
• Kidney and liver damage

Federal regulators have set drinking water limits for PFAS between four and ten parts per trillion (ppt) for certain compounds. In this beer study, concentrations reached up to 40 ppt—levels that exceed some of those limits, though beer is consumed in smaller quantities than water.

Contamination Hotspots: Cape Fear and Kalamazoo

The highest PFAS levels appeared in beer from the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina. Environmental damage in the area stems from a Chemours chemical plant in Fayetteville. Beers produced in this region showed a wider array of PFAS compounds, including some known to be manufactured by Chemours.

However, the study showed a decrease in PFAS concentrations in beers from communities with upgraded water filtration systems. These areas responded to earlier pollution reports by installing systems like granular activated carbon filters, which significantly reduce PFAS levels in municipal water.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s Kalamazoo County produced beers with the highest levels of PFOA, a specific PFAS compound that federal agencies now deem unsafe at any exposure level. This mirrors findings of high PFOA levels in the county’s drinking water.

Firefighting Foam and International Comparisons

Another correlation emerged between PFAS concentrations in beer and locations known for firefighting foam pollution. Foam containing PFAS is widely used by military installations, airports, and firefighting training centers. These facilities are among the main contributors to local PFAS water contamination.

Of the international beers sampled, two brands—one from Mexico and another from the Netherlands—showed either no detectable PFAS or levels well below domestic averages. These results suggest that localized water quality plays a significant role in the contamination of beer.

Other Potential Contaminants: Agriculture and Packaging

Though water appears to be the primary source, other possible contamination routes exist. Crops like barley or wheat might absorb PFAS through tainted fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation water. Packaging and brewing equipment—such as hoses and plastic components—can also introduce these substances.

The study did not test these alternative sources. However, their contribution to PFAS levels in beer remains a possibility for future research.

What Brewers and Drinkers Can Do

According to Hoponick Redmon, brewers seeking to reduce PFAS in their products can invest in granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration systems. These technologies are proven effective at removing PFAS from water.

Consumers can take precautions as well. Checking the PFAS contamination status of water in beer-producing regions and asking brewers about their filtration practices may help limit personal exposure.

“If you want to still enjoy happy hour, then I think you should,” said Hoponick Redmon. “But I hope our findings help future happy hours be relatively healthier.”

Reverse Osmosis and Water Filtration for Home Brewing

Reverse osmosis systems offer one of the most reliable methods for removing PFAS from drinking water. These systems work by forcing water through a specialized membrane that blocks most contaminants, including PFAS. For brewers and households alike, this technology provides a strong safeguard against chemical exposure.

Whole-home water conditioners complement this by treating all incoming water, ensuring PFAS levels remain low in cooking, cleaning, and drinking sources. In regions facing known PFAS pollution—such as Cape Fear and Kalamazoo—these systems could provide an essential layer of protection.

If you brew your own beer, consider filtration for your water.

Source: The Guardian