Researchers have found the presence of PFAS substances, or perennial pollutants, in tap and bottled water from major cities in the United Kingdom and China.
- PFAS have been detected in tap and bottled water from major cities in the United Kingdom and China, a study has found.
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), among others, have been detected in more than 99% of bottled water samples from 15 countries around the world.
- Researchers assure that boiling water or using activated carbon filters, such as those in filter jugs, can reduce PFAS concentrations by 50 to 90%, depending on the type of process.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances are so-called “eternal” pollutants found in many everyday products: food packaging, technical clothing, non-stick coatings, cosmetics, etc. Better known under the name PFAS, these pollutants, which do not degrade in nature, can “contaminate populations through food, water or air”, And “cause cancer, have effects on fertility and fetal development”, according to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses).
However, there is cause for concern. A new study, published in the journal ACS ES&T Watertoday reveals the presence of these eternal pollutants in drinking water – tap and bottled water – consumed in certain large cities in the United Kingdom and China, among others.
PFAS detected in 99% of bottled water samples
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), to name but a few, have been detected in more than 99% of samples of bottled water sold in 15 countries around the world, even though that “their uses have been very strongly restricted at the international level since 2009 and 2020 respectively”notes ANSES.
The research, carried out by scientists from British and Chinese universities, also highlights significant differences in PFAS concentrations between tap water from Birmingham (UK) and Shenzhen (China), with Chinese samples showing higher levels of these pollutants.
Filter or boil water to avoid perennial pollutants
However, researchers say simple solutions can help reduce levels of perennial pollutants. Boiling water or using activated carbon filters, such as those in filter jugs, can, for example, reduce PFAS concentrations by 50 to 90%, depending on the type of process. “Our results show that using water filters or simply boiling can remove a substantial proportion of PFAS present in drinking water,” they specify in a press release.
Despite the widespread presence of PFAS, concentrations observed in bottled water mostly remained below health thresholds set by regulatory agencies. With the exception of tap water samples in Shenzhen, which exceeded the limit set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2024, particularly for PFOS.
“While current levels do not pose a major health risk, continued monitoring is crucial to protect the public”conclude the authors of the study.
