PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a vast group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. These compounds are often called “forever chemicals” because they contain a highly stable carbon-fluorine bond, giving them exceptional environmental persistence. They resist breaking down in nature and the human body, leading to their global presence in soil, air, and water supplies. Consumers are increasingly seeking to understand if common products, such as sparkling water, are affected by this contamination. The question of whether these persistent compounds are present in carbonated beverages requires examining the pathways of contamination and the results of specific product testing.
The Chemistry and Source of PFAS Contamination
PFAS are defined by a chain of carbon atoms where hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. This unique structure creates one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry, making the substances resistant to heat, oil, and water. This resistance made them highly desirable for various industrial and consumer applications, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.
The primary historical sources of contamination stem from manufacturing facilities and the widespread use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for fighting petroleum-based fires. Industrial discharge and runoff allowed these chemicals to leach into the soil, groundwater, and surface water sources. Because PFAS are highly mobile, they can travel long distances, contaminating water supplies far from the original source. Although some original long-chain PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have been phased out, replacement short-chain versions are still in use and contribute to environmental contamination.
Testing Results in Sparkling Water
Independent testing confirms that PFAS are present in many commercially available sparkling water products, though levels vary significantly across brands. Studies generally find that sparkling varieties are more likely to contain measurable amounts of these compounds than non-carbonated bottled waters. Contamination is often measured in parts per trillion (ppt).
Test results show a wide range of concentrations, sometimes exceeding advisory levels set by health advocates. For instance, some brands showed levels as high as 9.76 ppt, while others were below the detection limit. The Environmental Working Group suggests a maximum limit of 1 ppt for total PFAS in drinking water for public health protection.
The presence of PFAS is primarily due to contamination of the source water used before carbonation. Contamination can also be introduced through filtration systems or specific packaging materials. The carbonation process itself may concentrate the chemicals, leading to higher levels in sparkling water compared to still water from the same source. Brands using municipal water are subject to local public supply contamination, while those drawing from protected springs may show lower levels.
Health Implications of PFAS Exposure
The primary concern with PFAS exposure is their tendency to accumulate in the human body over time, a process known as bioaccumulation. Due to the long half-lives of some compounds, the body absorbs them faster than it can excrete them, leading to increasing concentrations in the blood, liver, and kidneys. A large majority of the U.S. population has detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
Elevated exposure to certain long-chain PFAS has been associated with various adverse health outcomes. Research suggests links between high PFAS levels and increased cholesterol, as well as potential developmental effects in infants, including decreased birth weight. There is also evidence linking PFAS to decreased immune function, which can reduce the body’s response to vaccines. Exposure is cumulative, resulting from multiple sources like contaminated food, dust, and drinking water.
Consumer Strategies and Regulatory Responses
Consumers concerned about PFAS in sparkling water can take proactive steps to reduce their exposure.
Consumer Strategies
One strategy is to check if a brand uses a municipal supply, which is often subject to public testing, or a protected spring source, which may have naturally lower levels. Individuals can also use at-home carbonation machines with filtered tap water. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are recognized technologies capable of reducing PFAS concentrations in drinking water.
Regulatory Responses
Federal and state agencies are working to establish enforceable limits for these compounds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to set maximum contaminant levels for six specific PFAS compounds. The proposed regulation includes an enforceable limit of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, the two most studied compounds. This shift from non-enforceable health advisories to mandatory standards is intended to compel water systems to monitor and treat their supplies.