RALEIGH, NC (Michigan News Source) – Michigan breweries in two counties are fermenting more than just yeast. A recent study found that local beer from Kalamazoo and Kent county contained high levels of PFAS chemicals, or “forever chemicals,” putting Michigan zythophiles at risk of health issues.
The study, run by researchers from Research Triangle Institute International, found that beers produced in areas with high PFAS drinking water concentration often contained high levels of PFAS, although the amount often varied between cans from the same six-pack. The study concluded that 18% of operating breweries in the US are located in regions with detectable PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
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“RTI’s ‘Hold My Beer’ study highlights the need for broad, coordinated action to reduce PFAS in water supplies,” Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead study researcher, told RTI. “Our adapted testing method offers a practical way to detect and address PFAS in beverages including beer, which we hope can reduce exposure to these chemicals and make future happy hours relatively safer and healthier.”
PFAS are a category of 205 human-made byproducts of consumer, commercial, and industrial products, which are often water-resistant and long-lasting in the environment, hence the nickname “forever chemicals.” The contaminants are sourced from many places – food packaging, shampoo, and fire extinguishing foam – and often leak into human water sources. Research is still ongoing on their effects on human health, but current studies suggest the chemicals cause reproductive issues, developmental delays, and higher cancer risks.
The researchers measured the levels of various PFAS in 23 beers produced in the counties with the highest PFAS water concentrations in the nation, while also comparing the levels to nationally and internationally produced beer. Their selection included beers from counties in Michigan, California, and North Carolina.
Among all the beers studied, a beer from Kalamazoo tested at the highest average concentration of PFOA, a chemical in Teflon, at 8.374 parts per trillion. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency set the Maximum Contaminant Level for PFOA in drinking water at 4 parts per trillion. A major contributor to these high PFOA levels is a paper mill in Parchment, which released PFAS chemicals into the local drinking supply.
The beer from Kent County tested at the highest concentration of PFBS at 15.131 parts per trillion. Contamination of this county primarily arose from the local shoe and leather product company Wolverine Worldwide.
The study was limited by its small sample size and inability to control how the various beers were processed, both of which could affect the conclusions drawn in the paper.
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According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan has 365 sites where groundwater tests demonstrate PFAS levels above the state standards. A few “Do Not Eat” advisories are currently in effect, warning hunters in regions with high PFAS levels to not consume fish or deer caught in certain areas.
Redmon encouraged breweries in a blog post to identify sources of PFAS in their area and enhance filtration systems.