Sparkling Water and PFAS: What Cancer Patients and Health-Conscious Individuals Should Know
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of more than 9,000 chemicals used in industrial and consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Their chemical stability means they do not easily break down, leading to persistent accumulation in the environment and the human body over time.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even low-level chronic exposure may contribute to serious health conditions, including:
– Kidney and testicular cancers
– Liver damage and elevated liver enzymes
– Endocrine disruption
– Immunotoxicity (e.g., reduced vaccine efficacy)
– Reproductive harm and developmental delays
Source: U.S. EPA Final PFAS Regulation, April 2024
Sparkling Water Brands with Detected PFAS Levels
In an investigative report covered by CBS News, several widely consumed sparkling water brands were found to contain PFAS, including:
– Topo Chico Natural Mineral Water: ~9.76 ppt
– Polar Seltzer Water: ~6.41 ppt
– Bubly Sparkling Water: ~2.24 ppt
– LaCroix: 1.1 – 2.24 ppt
– Poland Spring Sparkling Water: ~1.66 ppt
– Canada Dry Sparkling Seltzer: ~1.24 ppt
– Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water: ~1.1 ppt
Note: While these levels fall below the EPA’s previous 70 ppt health advisory, the 2024 revised MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) now caps PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt each. Therefore, some brands exceed this new threshold.
PFAS-Free or Ultra-Low PFAS Brands
Some companies have adopted advanced filtration (e.g., reverse osmosis, activated carbon, ultrafiltration) and testing protocols to minimize or eliminate PFAS. These brands include:
– Spindrift: Very low (0.19 ppt) – uses real fruit, no artificial flavors
– Sound: Reports zero PFAS detected
– Waterloo: Ultra-filtered; reports PFAS-free
– Mountain Valley Spring Water: Routinely tests; PFAS-free
– Proud Source: Transparent annual quality reports; PFAS not detected
– Nixie: Uses reverse osmosis and organic flavors
– San Pellegrino: Very low (0.31 ppt); rigorous testing
– Aura Bora: Reverse osmosis; no PFAS detected
These options are ideal for individuals with cancer diagnoses, autoimmune disorders, or those pursuing detoxification protocols.
Why This Matters for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients often undergo chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy, which place a significant burden on liver detox pathways, kidneys, and immune function. Minimizing environmental toxicants like PFAS is critical to:
– Reduce tumor-promoting inflammation
– Improve detoxification efficiency
– Support immune surveillance
– Protect DNA integrity and mitochondrial health
Reference: Grandjean, P. et al. (2012). Serum vaccine antibody concentrations in children exposed to perfluorinated compounds. JAMA, 307(4), 391-397.
Protective Actions You Can Take
– Choose PFAS-free brands (see above)
– Drink filtered water (preferably reverse osmosis or Berkey-style filters with PFAS-specific removal)
– Avoid food packaging with grease-resistant coatings (e.g., fast-food wrappers)
– Do not microwave food in plastic
– Avoid non-stick pans made with Teflon or similar coatings
Conclusion
Even low levels of PFAS in drinking water may present long-term health risks, particularly for cancer patients or those with chronic illnesses. Fortunately, many sparkling water brands now offer PFAS-free options, empowering consumers to make informed, safe choices.
Have Questions or Need Guidance?
At Cancer Expert MD, we help patients navigate environmental risks, detox strategies, and personalized cancer care. If you are concerned about toxins like PFAS and want to create a safer healing environment, contact us for an Integrative Oncology Consultation.