Worryingly, beer fans could be drinking down PFAS whether the beverage is fresh from the tap, a glass bottle or a can…Studies have linked PFAS to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even various cancers, including kidney, testicular and ovarian.
Beer drinkers may unknowingly consume harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their favorite brews, according to a new study. Researchers from RTI International detected these cancer-linked “forever chemicals”—which persist indefinitely in the environment—in popular beers across North America and Europe, regardless of packaging (bottles, cans, or tap). While the specific brands remain undisclosed, PFAS exposure has been tied to infertility, birth defects, high cholesterol, and kidney, testicular, and ovarian cancers. “Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood,” the study notes.
The study aimed to assess whether beer contributes to widespread PFAS exposure, given its global consumption. Though the full list of contaminated brands isn’t public, the findings raise concerns, as PFAS are engineered to resist breakdown, accumulating in humans over time. Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into brewing contamination sources, as these chemicals—used in non-stick coatings and firefighting foam—may infiltrate beverages through water, packaging, or industrial processes.
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