Popular Drink Found to be Contaminated with Harmful Chemical

By: Penn Live

Jan 8, 2025

Scientists in Europe have uncovered a troubling issue with a drink often considered "pure": mineral water. An analysis of 19 popular mineral water brands revealed that 10 were contaminated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent "forever chemical" from the PFAS family. TFA, a stable degradation product of PFAS pesticides and F-gases used in refrigeration, raises concerns due to its potential health risks and environmental persistence. This finding is particularly alarming because mineral water is legally defined as "originally pure" and sourced from underground water, which is presumed to be shielded from pollution.

Forever chemicals like PFAS have become a significant public health concern due to their widespread presence in everyday items, including food packaging and beverages, and their potential to cause adverse health effects. The contamination of mineral water challenges assumptions about its purity and highlights the broader issue of chemical pollutants infiltrating products thought to be safe. The discovery underscores the need for stricter regulations and monitoring to ensure the safety of essential consumables.

For more insight, see the original article and the published study.