Sparkling water is poured into a glass on a wooden background.
PFAS are a set of man-made chemicals used in a variety of common products, from stain and water-repellent fabric, to paints and waxes. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered “forever chemicals” because they stay in the environment and human body for a very long time.
PFAS chemicals were recently found in groundwater at army bases, and may have caused cancer among many veterans. Now, a Consumer Reports study has found PFAS chemicals in carbonated water brands.
More than 40 brands of bottled water were tested by researchers. Of these, many well-known sparkling water brands containing the toxic PFAS chemicals, linked with different types of cancer, birth defects, and ulcerative colitis, among other diseases.
Topo Chico Had Highest PFAS Levels
Coca-Cola’s Topo Chico was revealed to have the highest PFAS levels at 9.76 parts per trillion (ppt). The sparkling water brand is common in western U.S. cities like Austin, Texas.
Although there is no federal regulation in place for what is an acceptable level of PFAS, some scientists and environmentalists set the limit at 1 ppt. According to the voluntary guidance set by the federal government, PFAS levels must not exceed 70 ppt. Several states have established lower limits, between 12 to 20 ppt.
An even lower limit of 5 ppt to 10 ppt has been suggested by the Bottled Water Association.
Coca-Cola said its products tested “below all drinking water standards for PFAS and other criteria set by current U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies.”
“We continue to make improvements to prepare for more stringent standards in the future,” it said.
Other Brands Also Pose a Risk
Other sparking water brands also had high levels of PFAS, especially when compared to still water. Here are some affected brands along with the relevant PFAS levels at parts per trillion:
- LaCroix Natural Sparkling Water (1.16 ppt)
- Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water (1.1 ppt)
- Poland Spring Zesty Lime Sparkling Water (1.66 ppt)
- Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water (1.24 ppt)
- Polar Natural Seltzer Water (6.41 ppt)
- Bubly Blackberry Sparkling Water (2.24 ppt)
Some sparkling waters tested with PFAS levels of below 1 ppt, including:
- San Pellegrino Natural Sparkling Mineral Water,
- Dasani Black Cherry Sparkling Water
- Schweppes Lemon Lime Sparkling Water Beverage
- Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry Sparkling Water
- Spindrift Raspberry Lime Sparkling Water
Two still water brands also had higher PFAS levels: Deer Park Natural Spring Water at 1.21 ppt and Tourmaline Spring Sacred Living Water at 4.64 ppt. But sparkling waters still had greater levels of PFAS, caused either due to higher PFAS levels in the source water, or the carbonation process.
The EPA has indicated it’ll set standards in place for bottled water, but it may take a while for any such law to come into effect. In the meantime, many more may be sickened by drinking contaminated water from trusted brands.
Bottled water is a $30 billion industry in the U.S. Bottled water is now more popular than soda among American consumers. While bottled water is generally thought of as being safe for consumption, there have been many recent instances of chemical contamination.
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Arsenic Found in Whole Foods Bottled Water
In a shocking case, a Consumer Reports study found arsenic in Starkey Spring Water, manufactured by Whole Foods and sold across its outlets in the U.S.
A test revealed that the brand of bottled water contained between 9.49 to 9.56 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic. This was around three times the arsenic contained in other brands, and dangerously close to the 10 ppb limit established under federal guidelines.
While drinking one bottle of the brand won’t hurt a consumer, regular consumption might lead to increased cardiovascular risk, as well as cause cancers and harm intellectual development.
We Can Help
Water is one of the basic needs for human life. When we buy bottled water, we expect it to be safe for consumption. Toxic, contaminated water has harmed many across our country, and we need better guidelines to ensure that more people are not similarly affected.
If you have been harmed by PFAS, arsenic, or any other toxin in your bottled water, ensure that you get the legal guidance you need. You may be entitled to compensation for your suffering, and our team of experts can help you through this process.
Help us hold manufacturers responsible for their callous actions. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay us a penny until you have a settlement or verdict.
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