How much PFAS is in La Croix sparkling water?

According to a 2020 Consumer Reports study, La Croix Natural Sparkling Water contained a detectable level of 1.16 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFAS. These 'forever chemicals' were found in several popular sparkling water brands, prompting widespread consumer concern about water safety.

Quick Summary

A 2020 Consumer Reports study found detectable PFAS levels of 1.16 ppt in La Croix, sparking public concern over 'forever chemicals' in bottled water. The level was significantly below federal voluntary guidance at the time but exceeded recommendations from some scientists and environmental groups. The company disputed the testing methodology but stated its products exceed stringent standards.

Key Points

• Detectible PFAS Found: A 2020 Consumer Reports study found 1.16 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFAS in La Croix Natural Sparkling Water.

• Below Federal Guidelines, Above Advocate Levels: This level was well below the voluntary EPA guidance of 70 ppt at the time but higher than the 1 ppt recommended by some scientists and environmental groups.

• Industry Disputes Testing: La Croix's manufacturer, National Beverage Corp., disputed the study's methodology, stating their products surpassed the most stringent PFAS requirements.

• Sparkling Water Often Tests Higher: The 2020 report noted that sparkling water brands generally showed higher levels of PFAS than still water, likely due to source water contamination or the bottling process.

• Alternatives Exist for Low-PFAS Water: Brands like Spindrift and San Pellegrino tested with lower or non-detectable levels of PFAS in the same study.

• Forever Chemicals Persist: PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down, leading to long-term accumulation and potential health risks from continuous exposure.

Understanding the 2020 Consumer Reports Study

In September 2020, Consumer Reports tested 12 popular carbonated bottled water brands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The study found detectable levels in several brands, including La Croix Natural Sparkling Water at 1.16 parts per trillion (ppt). This report brought attention to the presence of these chemicals in sparkling water, which generally showed higher levels compared to still water brands tested in the same study.

What are PFAS, and why are they a concern?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various products since the 1940s. They are known as 'forever chemicals' because they break down very slowly in the environment and in the human body. Health concerns associated with certain PFAS exposure include potential links to altered immune function, thyroid issues, kidney and liver problems, and some cancers. Continuous low-level exposure is a concern due to the chemicals' persistence and ability to accumulate in the body over time.

Comparison of PFAS Levels in Sparkling Water (2020 Consumer Reports Study)

The 2020 Consumer Reports study provided a snapshot of PFAS levels in various sparkling water brands. Some brands tested below 1 ppt in this study, such as Spindrift and San Pellegrino. At the time of the 2020 report, there were no mandatory federal limits for PFAS in bottled water.

Regulation and Company Response

The EPA had voluntary health advisories that were significantly higher than the levels detected in the study. Environmental groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have advocated for a much stricter limit of 1 ppt for PFAS in drinking water.

National Beverage Corp., the maker of La Croix, challenged the testing methodology used in the Consumer Reports study. The company maintained that its products met or exceeded all relevant PFAS standards. Other industry groups also questioned the study's scientific basis while supporting the need for federal standards.

How PFAS Get into Bottled and Sparkling Water

PFAS can enter bottled water through several pathways. The primary sources are:

• Source Water Contamination: Groundwater and surface water used for bottling can contain PFAS from industrial pollution and other sources.
• Inadequate Filtration: Standard filtration methods may not effectively remove PFAS. More advanced methods like reverse osmosis or activated carbon are needed for better removal.
• Bottling Process: Contamination can potentially occur during the carbonation or bottling stages, or PFAS in source water may become more concentrated.

Reducing Your PFAS Exposure

If you are concerned about PFAS in sparkling water, consider these steps:

1. Choose brands with lower detected PFAS: Refer to studies like the one by Consumer Reports to identify brands that tested with lower or non-detectable PFAS levels, such as Spindrift or San Pellegrino. Brands using advanced filtration like reverse osmosis may also be preferable.
2. Filter your own water at home: Using certified home water filters, particularly activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems, can effectively remove PFAS from tap water before carbonating it yourself.
3. Advocate for stricter regulations: Supporting efforts to establish enforceable legal limits for PFAS in all drinking water sources can help reduce overall exposure.

Conclusion: What This Means for La Croix Drinkers

The finding of 1.16 ppt of PFAS in La Croix in a 2020 study highlights the broader issue of these persistent chemicals in bottled water. While this level was below voluntary federal guidelines at the time, it exceeded levels considered safe by some environmental health advocates. The lack of mandatory regulations and industry debate on testing methods add complexity. Consumers can make informed choices by considering reported PFAS levels, looking for brands that use effective filtration, or filtering their own water at home. For additional details on bottled water testing and contaminants, consult resources from organizations like {Link: Consumer Reports https://www.consumerreports.org/water-quality/whats-really-in-your-bottled-water-a5361150329/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does La Croix contain PFAS?

Yes, a 2020 Consumer Reports study found a detectable level of 1.16 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFAS in La Croix Natural Sparkling Water.

Is the amount of PFAS in La Croix dangerous?

The 1.16 ppt level was well below the federal voluntary guidance at the time. However, it exceeded the stricter 1 ppt limit recommended by some scientists and environmental advocacy groups, who argue that any level of PFAS exposure is a concern due to the chemicals' persistence.

How did La Croix's PFAS levels compare to other brands?

In the 2020 study, La Croix (1.16 ppt) had lower levels than Topo Chico (9.76 ppt) and Polar (6.41 ppt) but higher than Perrier (1.1 ppt).

How does La Croix's manufacturer respond to the PFAS claims?

National Beverage Corp., the maker of La Croix, has publicly disputed the methodology used in the Consumer Reports study. The company asserts that its products are safe and that testing showed compliance with all existing regulatory standards.

Are PFAS found in all sparkling water?

Not all sparkling water contains detectable PFAS. The 2020 Consumer Reports study found that some brands, like Sparkling Ice and Spindrift, had non-detectable or very low levels.

How do PFAS get into bottled water?

PFAS can enter bottled water through contaminated source water (groundwater or surface water), insufficient filtration methods during the bottling process, or contamination during packaging and handling.

What can I do if I want to avoid PFAS in my sparkling water?

To avoid PFAS, you can choose brands that have tested low for the chemicals, filter your own tap water using an activated carbon or reverse osmosis system, and then use a home soda maker to create your own sparkling water.