Scientists Have Discovered Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Bottled Water

A new study reveals that scientists have found toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water samples from across the globe.

Researchers discovered 10 ‘target’ PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals resistant to environmental breakdown—in tap and bottled water available for consumption in major cities across the UK and China. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were found in over 99% of bottled water samples collected from 15 countries worldwide.

They observed significant differences in PFAS concentrations between tap water samples from Birmingham, UK, and Shenzhen, China, with Chinese tap water found to have higher concentrations of PFAS compared to UK tap water.

However, the study demonstrates that measures such as boiling and/or activated carbon filtration – typically using a ‘jug’ water filter – can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations in drinking water, with removal rates ranging from 50% to 90% depending on the PFAS and treatment type.