Overview
The Environmental Science & Technology Journal found in a 2025 study that 95% of 23 tested beers brewed across the United States contain varying levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are synthetic compounds commonly known as “forever chemicals” that can contribute to cancer and other health issues. This 2025 study noted a strong link between the location of the beer brewed and the amount of PFAS—finding higher PFAS concentrations in municipal drinking water translated to higher levels of PFAS in beer. This study further found beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina exhibited the highest levels and most diverse mix of PFAS.
Overall, these findings suggest several important takeaways to combat PFAS contamination in beer: (1) drinking water is a primary route of PFAS contamination in beer; (2) standard water filtration systems used in breweries may not effectively remove PFAS; and (3) there is a growing need for improved water treatment strategies at both brewing facilities and municipal treatment plants.
It is unclear if PFAS policy will be implemented to address the concerning findings of this 2025 study.
