Imagine drinking a glass of sparkling water and feeling the bubbles on your tongue. Sounds good, right? But this fancy water has a chemical known as PFAS, also known as forever chemicals and abbreviated as per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, which are not good for health. So, let’s understand how PFAS gets into sparkling water, their risks, and how to make sure that your beverage doesn’t contain any chemicals.
What are PFAS in Sparkling Water?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used daily, like in kitchens (nonstick cookware) and waterproof fabrics. These chemicals don’t break down easily and remain in the environment and human body for a long time, so they are called forever chemicals.
They can be around us, like in air, soil, or water. It’s like good for nothing, term or you can say good for hurting! Because it doesn’t feel good when you are trying to hydrate, but indirectly, you are drinking a chemical. The topic of concern is that this chemical is linked to different health problems like hormonal imbalances, cancer, and development issues, especially in kids.
How PFAS Get into Sparkling Water?
1- Contaminated Water Resources
Many sparkling water brands source their water from springs or municipal systems. What happens if PFAS gets into these water sources? The sparkling water gets contaminated, too. These chemicals will mix into groundwater from industrial sites, landfill runoffs, or even rainfall. So, even the groundwater is not free of forever chemicals.
Explore how PFAS contamination in drinking water impacts communities worldwide and what independent investigations have uncovered.
2- Processing Equipements
Making water into a sparkling drink involves fancy machinery like filtering, carbonating, and bottling. But if any of these equipment contains PFAS-coated materials, contamination can occur immediately. It’s like baking cookies on a greasy tray, and you can get cookies with the wrong shapes and textures.
3- Packaging
Did you know that a can or bottle of your sparkling water can also be the reason for forever chemicals in sparkling water? Yes, some packaging, e.g., plastic liners, may transfer PFAS into the water. But now that the new law has passed and the companies are not allowed to do it, but some minor companies still take the risks.
Why You Should Concern About This?
I don’t think that you can relax by knowing that the PFAS in sparkling water can remain in your body for a very long time and cause many health problems. The main health issues are:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- The Immune system becomes weak
- Higher Risks of Cancer
- Development problems in children
Stay informed about the new EPA PFAS standards and how regulatory measures aim to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.
How to Avoid PFAS in Sparkling Water?
Don’t worry; finding a solution is not always that difficult. Here’s how you can enjoy sparkling water without any side effects:
1- Check the Brand
Some companies offer PFAS-free sparkling water options. Try to find those companies that value their transparency and enjoy their drink. Those companies are like a friend who always tells you if there is spinach in your teeth.
2-Avoid Known Contaminated Brand
According to some investigations, the brands like Natural Seltzer Water by Polar and Topo Chico PFAS levels are higher than others. The normal value of PFAS in sparkling water is 4.0 to 10.0 ppt, and Topo Chico’s result is 9.76 ppt. Always check the updated reports about brands, just like you check the expiry date on a milk pack.
3- Filter your Water at Home
Would you love to do your things yourself? If you make your sparkling water at home, use the devices like SodaStream and make sure your water is filtered first. A SodaStream forever chemical issue arises if your water is contaminated.
4- Invest in Reverse Osmosis
A PFAS reverse osmosis system might sound fancy, but these are very useful. Imagine this reverse osmosis system as the deep cleaning of your water.
5- Use Distilled Water
Use distilled water because distillation can remove almost all contaminants from water. I know that it doesn’t sound very important, but the start should be good enough for a perfect ending.
Read more about game-changing PFAS treatment technologies in the works to address the growing environmental and public health threat of these forever chemicals.
Conclusion
Sparkling water can be a fun and refreshing option, but it’s important to be mindful of forever chemicals like PFAS. Now, by understanding how these chemicals make their way into your drinks and taking steps to avoid them, you can take every sip safely and stay healthy. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t invite an uninvited guest to your party, so don’t let PFAS crash your hydration game.
So, stay happy and hydrated. Your health and your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs
Can Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?
Yes, reverse osmosis is a very useful way to remove PFAS from water. If you’re serious about clean water, then consider installing one of these systems at your home.
Does Distilled Water Have PFAS?
No, distilled water doesn’t have PFAS because distillation removes almost every contaminant from the water.
What Sparkling Water Does Not Have PFAS?
Brands that test their products and use uncontaminated sources are more likely to produce PFAS-free sparkling water. Research the latest reports for specific recommendations.
Why Are Forever Chemicals in Sparkling Water a Concern?
Exposure to forever chemicals in sparkling water can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and hormonal issues, and they stick around in the environment, in water, and in your body forever.
