The Truth About 'Forever Chemicals' in Your Sparkling Water

But that doesn't end the conversation, let's learn more about the important facts surrounding the ingredients found in commercial sparkling water brands and get to the bottom of why people drink sparkling water made from at-home soda makers.

At Soda Sense, we believe that informed choices lead to healthier living. We encourage everyone to become familiar with the ingredients found on commercial labels so they feel empowered to consume with a clear mind.

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What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. These chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time.

PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products, such as non-stick pans, water-repellent clothing, pizza boxes, and even some canned seltzers due to their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat.

There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes.

Seltzer water brands that are less than 1 ppt PFAS

• Sound: contains 0 PFAS
• Waterloo: contains 0 PFAS
• Spindrift: contains 0.19 ppt PFAS
• Mountain Valley: contains 0 PFAS
• Proud Source: contains 0 PFAS
• Nixie: contains 0 PFAS
• San Pellegrino: contains 0.31 ppt PFAS
• Aura Bora: contains 0 PFAS
• Sparkling Water Makers: contains 0 PFAS (ensuring you use reverse-osmosis filtered water)

Seltzer water brands that contain more than 1 ppt PFAS

In a report ran in 2020 by Consumer Reports, numerous sparkling water brands were tested for PFAS in their waters. The numbers below alongside each brand represent parts per trillion:

• Perrier PFAS: 1.1 (Flavor: Natural Sparkling Mineral Water)
• La Croix PFAS: 1.16 (Flavor: Natural Sparkling Water)
• Canada Dry PFAS: 1.24 (Flavor: Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water)
• Poland Spring PFAS: 1.66 (Flavor: Zesty Lime Sparkling Water)
• Bubly PFAS: 2.24 (Flavor: Blackberry Sparkling Water)
• Polar PFAS: 6.41 (Flavor: Natural Seltzer Water)
• Topo Chico PFAS: 9.76 (Flavor: Natural Mineral Water)

Soda brands with PFAS

The following soda brands have been tested for PFAS, with the parts per trillion indicated next to each brand:

• Coca-Cola: 4.25
• Diet Coke: 3.54
• Pepsi: 2.89
• Diet Pepsi: 1.73
• Dr Pepper: 2.90
• Sprite: 3.13
• Fanta: 2.45
• Mountain Dew: 2.67

Related read: What Are the Best Alternatives to Soda?

What are the lasting health effects of PFAS?

Some studies have shown that PFAS have the potential to affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children. It can also lower a woman's chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body's natural hormones, elevate cholesterol levels, and affect the immune system.

Long-term effects in extreme circumstances include an increase in the risk of cancer, particularly kidney and testicular cancers.

It's important to note that the amount and duration of exposure can significantly influence the severity of these effects.

Let's break some of these effects down further so we can fully understand PFAS impact:

Liver damage

High PFAS exposure can elevate liver enzymes, indicating potential liver damage. This may result in diminished liver functionality, affecting digestion and detoxification processes.

Harmful to infants and children

PFAS pose a significant risk to infants and children, disrupting the body's ability to produce antibodies. This interference compromises the immune system, increasing children's vulnerability to infections.

Furthermore, there is compelling evidence suggesting a correlation between PFAS exposure and the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children.

Cardiovascular diseases

Increasing evidence shows that extended exposure to PFAS may elevate the risk of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Research suggests a link between elevated PFAS levels and higher cholesterol levels, which is a significant risk factor for heart conditions.

Summary

Understanding how to read and interpret sparkling water labels is essential for making informed choices about what you consume. By recognizing potentially harmful ingredients and opting for products with transparent labeling, you can better manage your health.

At-home soda makers offer a controlled, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to commercial sparkling waters. By making your own sparkling water, you ensure the quality of your drink and contribute to a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet.