Study finds overlooked 'forever chemicals' widespread in New Jersey tap water and bottled beverages
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have found that a largely overlooked class of "forever chemicals" is widespread in New Jersey drinking water and commercially available bottled beverages, raising new questions about how these persistent contaminants are monitored and potentially introduced into everyday products.
A recent study by researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has uncovered that a class of chemicals known as ultra-short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is prevalent in New Jersey's tap water and commercially available bottled beverages. This is the first statewide U.S. monitoring study of these rare compounds, also referred to as "forever chemicals."
The study found trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in over 91% of tap-water samples across all 21 New Jersey counties and in nearly 80% of bottled beverages. TFA was present in the median concentration of 352 nanograms per liter among tap-water samples with detectable TFA. Interestingly, concentrations were notably higher in certain sports drinks and electrolyte waters, with the highest measurement reaching 94,100 nanograms per liter.
The researchers attribute this disparity to potential additives or manufacturing processes in formulated beverages. These products may include sweeteners, flavorings, electrolytes, and other ingredients that could introduce additional sources of TFA. Conventional PFAS monitoring has largely overlooked ultra-short-chain PFAS due to their small molecular size and chemical properties, making them difficult to detect using established methods.
The study highlights a significant gap in the current understanding of PFAS monitoring and calls for further investigation into the sources and long-term effects of these chemicals in everyday products. While the findings suggest the possibility of widespread exposure, the researchers caution that detecting TFA in water or beverages does not necessarily indicate an immediate health risk.
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