Hold My Beer: The Linkage between Municipal Water and Brewing Location on PFAS in Popular Beverages

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Conflicts of Interest

Identified Weaknesses

Rating Explanation

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Paper Summary

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Hold My Beer, Hold the PFAS: Your Brew Might Contain Forever Chemicals from Tap Water

This study investigated the presence of PFAS in 23 different beers purchased in North Carolina and found detectable levels in most samples. The PFAS levels in beer were correlated with PFAS concentrations in the municipal water used for brewing, suggesting that contaminated drinking water is a primary source of PFAS in beer. The study also found variability in PFAS levels between different cans of the same beer.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified.

Identified Weaknesses

Limited sample size

The sample size of beers tested was limited (23 unique beers). While this provided a preliminary assessment of PFAS in beer across various locations and breweries, a more comprehensive study with a significantly larger sample size would strengthen the findings and allow for more robust statistical analyses.

Focus on lighter beers

The study primarily focused on lighter beers (lagers and ales). Darker beers were not included due to the difficulty they pose in cleaning laboratory equipment. This limits the generalizability of the findings to all beer types.

Reliance on State-Reported PFAS Drinking Water Data

The study relied on state-reported PFAS data for drinking water, which may have varied in sampling timeframes and specific locations of water systems within counties. This could introduce variability in correlating beer PFAS levels with drinking water contamination.

Unknown Water Sources and Filtration Methods

Specific source waters and filtration methods for each beer were unknown. This information would help to more precisely characterize PFAS sources in the beers tested.

Rating Explanation

This study provides valuable insights into PFAS contamination in beer and its link to drinking water sources. The use of EPA Method 533 adapted for beer analysis is a significant contribution. While the limited sample size and focus on lighter beers are limitations, the study's findings are important for informing future research, policy decisions, and consumer awareness regarding PFAS exposure from beverages. Thus, a rating of 4 is justified.

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