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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Pfas detected in US beers in new study, raising safety concerns
All but one of 23 beers sampled for toxic Pfas 'forever chemicals' contained the compounds, new research finds, raising safety questions about one of the world's most popular beverages. The researchers checked craft beer from multiple states, major domestic brands, and several international labels. When possible, they compared the measurements to Pfas levels in the county water supply where each was bottled, revealing a 'strong correlation' that suggests contaminated water is driving most of the problem. The levels were often above some drinking water limits for Pfas. The study isn't meant to scare people away from drinking beer, the authors wrote, but 'inform brewers, consumers, and policymakers in making data-driven decisions about beer consumption and addressing risks'. 'If you want to still enjoy happy hour, then I think you should, but I hope our findings help future happy hours be relatively healthier,' lead author Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, a senior environmental health scientist for the RTI International non-profit, told the Guardian. Pfas are a class of about 15,000 compounds most frequently used to make products water-, stain- and grease-resistant. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, kidney disease and a range of other serious health problems. They are dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they do not naturally break down in the environment. The levels detected in the beer were as high as 40 parts per trillion (ppt). Drinking water limits for several common Pfas compounds are between four and 10 ppt, though drinking water is more of a risk because people generally consume more of it. The highest levels were detected in beer brewed in the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina, where the environment has been thoroughly contaminated by Pfas largely stemming from a Chemours chemical plant in Fayetteville. Beer produced there showed some chemicals made at the Chemours plant, and generally contained a wider variety of Pfas compounds. The levels in Cape Fear regions in which public water utilities have installed new filtration systems in response to Chemours' pollution showed lower levels than those in areas that have not. The highest levels of PFOA, a chemical for which federal regulators have said no level of exposure in drinking water is safe, were detected in beer made in Michigan's Kalamazoo county, which also had high levels of the compound in its water. The study also found a correlation between firefighting foam pollution hot spots and Pfas levels in the beer. Firefighting foam contains high concentrations of Pfas and is used by the military, airports and other sources, and is among the leading causes of water pollution. Two of the international brands – from Mexico and the Netherlands – showed no or low levels of the chemicals. Some of the Pfas could stem from other sources, such as wheat or barley contaminated from the use of tainted fertilizers, pesticides or water. Hoses and tubing are sometimes made with Pfas, as are some plastics and packaging. The study did not check those variables. Hoponick Redmon said brewers interested in reducing Pfas levels should install granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration systems, which are the most effective for Pfas removal. Beer drinkers can protect themselves by checking for Pfas levels in the areas in which beer is bottled, and asking brewers if they use the filtration systems.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts warn over cancer-causing chemicals hidden in popular BEERS
A new study has detected a toxic group of cancer-causing chemicals known as PFAS in 'popular' beers brewed in North America and Europe. Worryingly, beer fans could be drinking down PFAS whether the beverage is fresh from the tap, a glass bottle or a can. PFAS - or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances - have been dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they are designed not to break down in the environment. Studies have linked PFAS to infertility, behavioral problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even various cancers, including kidney, testicular and ovarian. 'Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood,' say the researchers from RTI International research institute in North Carolina. 'We set out to understand whether popular craft beers as well as national and international beers may also be a contributor to total PFAS exposure for beer drinkers.' The team believes PFAS chemicals are entering the beer from local contaminated water supplies used during the brewing process. Water is the most abundant and important ingredient of the four main ingredients in beer (the others being hops, yeast and grain). Although breweries typically have water filtration and treatment systems, they are not designed to remove PFAS, the team warn. But extra PFAS sources could include brewing ingredients (such as grains, hops and spices), packaging or storing materials (storage tanks and cans), and cleaning supplies. For example, packaging vessels such as bottles, cans, and kegs may also be washed with water or contain liners that could also introduce PFAS. For the study, the researchers tested 23 lagers and ales - mostly from from the U.S., but also two from Mexico and one from the Netherlands. The U.S. beer came from eight states - North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri. Their selection comprised 'primarily plain lagers and ales' produced by U.S. brewers in areas with documented water system contamination, plus popular domestic and international beers from larger companies with unknown water sources. Wat-er shock! Maps showing county-averaged PFAS concentrations from state-reported drinking water systems in (A) California, (B) Michigan, and (C) North Carolina, along with averaged PFAS concentrations in beers at brewing locations Overall, the researchers found PFAS in 95 per cent of the beers they tested, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Shockingly, these two types of PFAS were found in quantities above recently established limits in drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Beers from smaller breweries had a higher likelihood of PFAS presence compared to larger-scale U.S. or international beers. The largest number of PFAS compounds were detected in beer from Chatham County and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina (both areas with PFAS in municipal drinking water), and a beer from St Louis County, Missouri. Beers from North Carolina exhibited higher PFAS 'species variety' - meaning a wider variety of different types of PFAS - compared to Michigan and California. Unsurprisingly, parts of the country with known PFAS-contaminated water sources showed the highest levels of the 'forever chemicals'. The results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, suggest there's an urgent need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities. Researchers also call for greater awareness among brewers, consumers and regulators to limit overall PFAS exposure, as well as more research into PFAS in beers brewed further around the world, including brewing giants such as China, Japan, Brazil, Germany and the UK. Beer fans, meanwhile, should choose beers from breweries without PFAS in municipal drinking water, or that conduct testing and use water filtration that removes PFAS. 'Water utilities can enhance water treatment processes to remove PFAS contaminants before distribution, and breweries can test or filter their brewing water,' the team add. PFAS were first developed in the 1940s and are widely used in industry as well as in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water and stain-repellent coatings, food packaging, carpeting, firefighting foam and cosmetics. Their molecular structure is based on a linked chain of carbon atoms with one or more fluorine atoms attached, and the extreme stability of those carbon-fluorine bonds make PFAS highly resistant to being broken down. This durability causes PFAS to persist and accumulate in the environment as well as in the bodies of humans and animals for years. Many PFAS have molecular structures that resemble those of naturally occurring fatty acids, resulting in them having similar chemical properties and effects on the human body.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts sound the alarm over cancer-causing chemicals hidden in popular BEERS
Next time you gulp down your favourite beer, you could be consuming dangerous 'forever chemicals', scientists have warned. A new study has detected a toxic group of cancer-causing chemicals known as PFAS in 'popular' beers brewed in North America and Europe. The experts didn't reveal the name of the beers, although MailOnline has contacted them for a full list. Worryingly, beer fans could be drinking down PFAS whether the beverage is fresh from the tap, a glass bottle or a can. PFAS – or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances – have been dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they are designed not to break down in the environment. Studies have linked PFAS to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even various cancers, including kidney, testicular and ovarian. 'Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood,' say the researchers from RTI International research institute in North Carolina. 'We set out to understand whether popular craft beers as well as national and international beers may also be a contributor to total PFAS exposure for beer drinkers.' The team believe PFAS chemicals are entering the beer from local contaminated water supplies used during the brewing process. Water is the most abundant and important ingredient of the four main ingredients in beer (the others being hops, yeast and grain). Although breweries typically have water filtration and treatment systems, they are not designed to remove PFAS, the team warn. But extra PFAS sources could include brewing ingredients (such as grains, hops and spices), packaging or storing materials (storage tanks and cans), and cleaning supplies. For example, packaging vessels such as bottles, cans, and kegs may also be washed with water or contain liners that could also introduce PFAS. For the study, the researchers tested 23 lagers and ales – mostly from from the US, but also two from Mexico and one from the Netherlands. The US beer came from eight states – North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri. Their selection comprised 'primarily plain lagers and ales' produced by US brewers in areas with documented water system contamination, plus popular domestic and international beers from larger companies with unknown water sources. What are PFAS? PFAS are human-made chemicals produced for their anti-grease, water-resistant, and stain-repelling properties. PFAS have been widely used in consumer products (such as carpets, furniture, clothes, cookware, and food packaging), industrial manufacturing (e.g., as a processing aid in plastic production), and in firefighting foam for decades. Often referred to as 'forever chemicals', they are ubiquitous in the environment due to their extensive use and resistance to degradation. Recent studies show that PFAS exposure can lead to adverse reproductive, developmental, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, immunological, and carcinogenic health effects. Additionally, PFAS can remain in the body for years. Source: Redmon et al 2025 Overall, the researchers found PFAS in 95 per cent of the beers they tested, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Shockingly, these two types of PFAS were found in quantities above recently established limits in drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Beers from smaller breweries had a higher likelihood of PFAS presence compared to larger-scale US or international beers. The largest number of PFAS compounds were detected in beer from Chatham County and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina (both areas with PFAS in municipal drinking water), and a beer from St. Louis County, Missouri. Beers from North Carolina exhibited higher PFAS 'species variety' – meaning a wider variety of different types of PFAS – compared to Michigan and California. Unsurprisingly, parts of the country with known PFAS-contaminated water sources showed the highest levels of the 'forever chemicals'. The results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, suggest there's an urgent need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities. Researchers also call for greater awareness among brewers, consumers and regulators to limit overall PFAS exposure, as well as more research into PFAS in beers brewed further around the world, including brewing giants such as China, Japan, Brazil, Germany and the UK. Beer fans, meanwhile, should choose beers from breweries without PFAS in municipal drinking water, or that conduct testing and use water filtration that removes PFAS. 'Water utilities can enhance water treatment processes to remove PFAS contaminants before distribution, and breweries can test or filter their brewing water,' the team add. PFAS were first developed in the 1940s and are widely used in industry as well as in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water and stain-repellent coatings, food packaging, carpeting, firefighting foam and cosmetics. Their molecular structure is based on a linked chain of carbon atoms with one or more fluorine atoms attached, and the extreme stability of those carbon-fluorine bonds make PFAS highly resistant to being broken down. This durability causes PFAS to persist and accumulate in the environment as well as in the bodies of humans and animals for years. Many PFAS have molecular structures that resemble those of naturally occurring fatty acids, resulting in them having similar chemical properties and effects on the human body. Exposure to a type of man-made chemicals may cause menopause to occur two years earlier in women, a study warns. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that high levels of PFAS in blood samples contributed to an earlier menopause in women. PFAS, which are used as oil and water repellents and coatings for consumer products, can enter water sources and disrupt ovarian function, they say. The chemicals, which are widely used in food packaging, cookware and industrial foams, disrupt the endocrine system – the hormone-producing collection of glands that regulate sexual function. Previous studies have also linked them to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even cancer.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Beers Are Most Contaminated With Chemicals: Study
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A new study by researchers at RTI International has found that several American beers contain measurable levels of "forever chemicals," with the source traced primarily to municipal drinking water used in the brewing process. According to the study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were present in beers produced in areas already known to have contaminated water supplies. Why It Matters PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foams, among other products. Their nickname—"forever chemicals"—comes from their ability to persist in the environment and human body for years. The presence of these chemicals in beer highlights a broader issue about the vulnerability of food and beverage production to environmental contaminants. What to Know Researchers analyzed beers from nine states, including North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri and Colorado. International beers examined during the study were brewed in the Netherlands and Mexico. Dozens of beers brewed in regions with known PFAS contamination were sampled. The study revealed that of the nine states analyzed, there were three counties with the "highest PFAS concentrations" in the beer samples. They are Chatham County, North Carolina; Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; and Kent County, Michigan. Beers produced in areas such as the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina and Kalamazoo, Michigan, were among those found to have elevated PFAS levels. According to RTI International researchers, these regions have documented PFAS presence in public water systems, making local breweries especially vulnerable to contamination. A stock photo of craft beer. A stock photo of craft beer. WS Studio/Getty About 18 percent of breweries nationwide operate in zip codes with PFAS-detectable water, according to the report. Smaller breweries, which often rely heavily on municipal water without additional treatment, showed some of the highest contamination levels. "Beers selected based on their brewery location's proximity to known elevated levels of PFAS in drinking water had 15 times the odds of having one or more detections of PFAS compared to larger-scale U.S. or international beers selected based on consumer popularity without known PFAS sources in municipal water," the study said. A map maintained by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows more than 8,800 locations across the U.S. with known PFAS contamination in water systems, reinforcing the risk to breweries in affected areas. PFAS exposure has been linked to health problems, including hormonal disruption, immune system damage, and increased risk of certain cancers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These risks make the presence of PFAS in food and beverages a growing public health concern. What People Are Saying Study author Jennifer Hoponick Redmon told Newsweek: "As an occasional enjoyer of beer myself, I hope that our adapted testing method and findings provide a way to address PFAS so future happy hours are also relatively healthier ones. For water supplies with PFAS in them already, this means filtering water at the treatment plant or at the brewery. In the future, steps to prevent PFAS from entering water supplies will also help breweries operating downstream." EWG on its website regarding its updated map: "The new data, along with reporting from states and other sources, confirm 143 million people in communities throughout the U.S. have drinking water that has tested positive for PFAS. A 2020 study published by EWG scientists estimated more than 200 million Americans are served by water systems with PFOA or PFOS in their drinking water at a concentration of 1 ppt or higher." What Happens Next The study's authors illustrated the importance of improved water filtration practices in the brewing industry, especially for small to mid-sized breweries. According to RTI International, consumers should be aware of where their beer is brewed and the local water quality conditions.
Axios
26-03-2025
- Business
- Axios
RTI International layoffs deepen as federal funding uncertainty grows
RTI International, a research nonprofit and one of the Triangle's largest employers, is laying off another round of employees due to the uncertainty of federal funding. Why it matters: Since the start of the Trump administration's efforts to cut federal funding, RTI International has laid off more than 500 staff members. Driving the news: That includes an additional 340 U.S.-based employees announced on Tuesday — 177 of which are in North Carolina. The nonprofit said it anticipates making more changes to its operations in the coming weeks. State of play: RTI, the first-ever tenant in Research Triangle Park, had more than 1,000 employees in the Triangle before the start of this year. The research nonprofit, formed by the North Carolina state government as well as Duke, UNC and N.C. State, has been a major recipient of federal research funding over its history. Between the fiscal years of 2013 to 2022, RTI received $2.3 billion from USAID. But USAID has been significantly downsized under the Trump administration, which has cut a majority of its future grants. FHI 360, another Durham nonprofit that has laid off hundreds of employees, was set to receive around $3.8 billion from USAID. What they're saying: "Taking this step was not easy, but it's necessary to position RTI for long-term success and strengthen our ability to serve federal, state and local government and commercial clients, RTI International CEO Tim J. Gabel said in a statement.
