Scientists have found toxic PFAS in drinking water samples from around the world, with higher levels in tap water from China compared to the UK. Boiling water or using a filtration jug can reduce PFAS levels by up to 90%, offering a simple solution to minimize exposure.
A new study reveals that scientists have found toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water samples from across the globe.
Researchers discovered 10 ‘target’ PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals resistant to environmental breakdown—in tap and bottled water available for consumption in major cities across the UK and China. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were found in over 99% of bottled water samples collected from 15 countries worldwide.
They observed significant differences in PFAS concentrations between tap water samples from Birmingham, UK, and Shenzhen, China, with Chinese tap water found to have higher concentrations of PFAS compared to UK tap water.