Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body.
These man-made substances are used in many products for their water-, oil-, and stain-resistant qualities.
But while they help in manufacturing, PFAS are also linked to possible health problems, and scientists are now finding them in unexpected places—like beer.
A new study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, tested beer from different parts of the U.S. and discovered that many beers contain PFAS.
The study was led by Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, who became curious about whether PFAS-contaminated water might end up in beverages like beer. Her findings suggest the answer is yes—and it depends heavily on where the beer is brewed.
PFAS have already been found in surface water, groundwater, and public water supplies across the U.S. Some areas are known to have higher levels of these chemicals due to industrial pollution, chemical spills, or other sources. Even though most breweries filter and treat the water they use, their systems are generally not designed to remove PFAS.
To learn more, the researchers adapted a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method for testing drinking water and applied it to beer. They tested 23 types of beer, including those made by small local breweries in places with known water contamination and others from large domestic and international brands with unclear water sources.
The results were concerning: 95% of the beers contained at least some PFAS. Beers made in areas with documented PFAS-contaminated water had the highest levels of these chemicals.
One notable example was beer brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina, a region known for PFAS pollution. These beers had the highest levels and widest variety of PFAS, including PFOS and PFOA, two chemicals with newly updated safety limits set by the EPA for drinking water.
This study is the first of its kind to show a clear connection between PFAS in public water systems and PFAS found in commercially available beer in the U.S. It highlights how contamination in one part of the supply chain—such as water—can lead to PFAS appearing in food and beverages we consume.
The researchers urge brewers, consumers, and policymakers to take action. Breweries may need to upgrade their water treatment systems to remove PFAS more effectively, especially as drinking water regulations become stricter. At the same time, city water treatment systems might also need improvements to better protect public health.
For consumers, the study is a reminder that PFAS exposure can come from many sources—not just drinking water or food packaging, but also from everyday products like beer. Jennifer Hoponick Redmon hopes that this work will lead to better awareness and encourage efforts to reduce PFAS in our environment.
In summary, while enjoying an occasional beer might seem harmless, this research shows that even something as simple as a pint could carry trace amounts of harmful chemicals. It’s a call for better water treatment solutions and stricter regulations to ensure safer beverages for everyone.
The study is published in Environmental Science.
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