Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used widely in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. These compounds are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they contain an extremely strong carbon-fluorine bond, making them highly resistant to breaking down in the environment or the human body. Their unique properties allow them to repel water, oil, and heat, leading to their inclusion in nonstick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging materials. This widespread use, coupled with their environmental persistence, has resulted in the contamination of water sources globally, making human ingestion through daily beverages a significant pathway for exposure.
How PFAS Enters the Water Supply
PFAS initially enter the water cycle through concentrated environmental releases from manufacturing sites, industrial discharge, and areas where firefighting foams have been used. These foams, known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), were historically used extensively at military bases and airports, creating localized contamination plumes that migrate into groundwater.
The chemicals are highly mobile in water, a characteristic that allows them to spread rapidly from a source into surrounding soil and aquifers. Shorter-chain PFAS compounds are more water-soluble, readily leaching through soil to contaminate groundwater, which is a common source for drinking supplies. Wastewater treatment plants also function as a pathway, as they are not designed to remove these substances, releasing them into surface waters or concentrating them in biosolids.
Specific Drink Categories with Detected PFAS
The finished beverages people consume daily are susceptible to contamination primarily through the source water used in their production. Municipal tap water, which serves as the base for many beverages, has shown wide-ranging PFAS concentrations, reflecting the proximity of the water utility’s source to historical industrial or military contamination sites.
Bottled water, often perceived as a safer alternative, also contains measurable levels, which can be linked to both the original water source and the packaging. Purified bottled water, which undergoes reverse osmosis, generally shows lower or non-detectable levels, though the effectiveness depends on the stringency of the purification process.
Processed drinks, such as sodas, juices, and teas, show similar contamination levels to their source water, as the manufacturing process typically does not include specific PFAS removal treatment. Sparkling and carbonated waters are sometimes found to have higher PFAS concentrations than still waters. These detected levels are often above the 1 ppt threshold that some scientific bodies recommend as a safe limit, even though the former non-enforceable EPA health advisory was set at 70 ppt for two key compounds.
Contamination from Processing and Packaging
Contamination does not solely originate from the raw water source; PFAS can also enter beverages during the manufacturing and packaging stages. Certain processing equipment and infrastructure, such as O-rings, gaskets, and filtration membranes, may contain PFAS compounds that slowly leach into the liquid product. This is a form of secondary contamination that occurs even if the initial source water was clean.
A significant pathway for contamination is the packaging itself, particularly in processed juice and soft drink products. PFAS compounds were historically used in food contact materials to impart grease and moisture resistance. The internal coatings or liners of cartons, bags, and certain plastic bottles can enable the migration of PFAS into the stored beverage over time. Studies suggest that plastic bottles, especially those made from recycled material, may exhibit higher PFAS concentrations compared to beverages packaged in glass.
Strategies for Reducing Beverage Intake
Individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure to PFAS through the beverages they consume daily. For municipal tap water, installing a certified home filtration system is a highly effective strategy. Both granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems have been shown to significantly reduce the concentration of various PFAS compounds in drinking water.
It is important to select a system specifically certified to remove PFAS, as traditional water treatment methods like boiling or standard water softening systems do not effectively eliminate these chemicals. When choosing packaged beverages, consumers can look for brands that publicly test their products and report non-detectable or very low levels of PFAS. Minimizing the consumption of processed drinks and those stored in potentially contaminated packaging, like certain cartons and plastic bottles, can further reduce overall dietary exposure.