Something in the Water

Have you ever heard of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)? Me neither, but it turns out that this chemical is found almost unanimously in our favorite sparkling beverages including Topo Chico, Bubly, and La Croix. PFAS were popularized in the 1940's for their ability to repel water, oil, and other liquid and solid materials. They are most prevalent today in non-stick products such as pans, stain resistant clothing, and some paper products. [1]

A recent study conducted by Consumer Reports recognized that PFAS never really break down and will continue to accumulate, leading to potential risks such as heightened cholesterol, thyroid issues, and immune system problems [2]. To make matters more complicated, a majority of states have yet to regulate PFAS, meaning companies producing these products could potentially release them with toxic amounts of the chemical.

As recent as the Trump presidency, PFA product manufacturers launched a "lobbying and donation blitz" [3] in response the federal government attempting to regulate the compound in common household products and consumables. Many lobbyists are afraid of revenue loss related to EPA regulations that surround PFA products, and as a result, spending has dramatically increased in the industry which will continue to thrive as long as lobbyists have influence over these regulations.

Although we have known about PFAS and their adverse effects on our health and environment, they continue to pervade our homes in the forms of food packaging: most notably in the form of sparkling water drinks, which have recently risen in popularity as they provide the sensation of carbonation from soda without all the added sugar. Sparkling water may seem harmless, but is cause for concern when consumed too regularly. The chemical was deemed toxic by the FDA in a minimum range of 70 PPT or parts per trillion. Topo Chico tested highest for PFAS at 9.76 PPT. [2]

For those wanting more information on the risks of PFAS, check out the Consumer Reports PFA fact sheet here : https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FACT-SHEET_-PFAS.pdf

Sources

[1] https://www.culligan.com/support/water-information/what-are-pfas-pfoa-and-pfos#:~:text=Perfluoroalkyl%20and%20polyfluoroalkyl%20substances%20%28PFAS%29%20are%20a%20group,on%20the%20health%20of%20those%20exposed%20to%20them.

[2] https://worldmedicinefoundation.com/health-news/some-sparkling-water-brands-may-contain-high-levels-of-risky-chemicals-called-pfas-a-report-found/

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/26/us-chemical-companies-lobbying-donation-defeated-regulation

[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pfas-chemicals-in-sparkling-water-polar-topo-chico-study/

[5] https://www.consumerreports.org/bottled-water/whats-really-in-your-bottled-water/#:~:text=Consumer%20Reports%20found%20toxic%20PFAS,water%20brands%2C%20especially%20carbonated%20ones&text=CR%20recently%20tested%2047%20bottled,noncarbonated%20and%2012%20carbonated%20ones