Bluewater, a Swedish leader in water purification and beverage innovation, has called for an immediate ban on single-use plastic water bottles after a global research study revealed that nearly all bottled water samples tested contain harmful PFAS chemicals. This urgent appeal highlights what Bluewater views as a worldwide environmental and health crisis caused by the pervasive presence of these ‘forever chemicals’ in water, food, and air.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK and China’s Southern University of Science and Technology, detected PFAS chemicals in tap water in major cities across Britain and China. However, more concerning was the discovery that Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—two particularly dangerous PFAS chemicals—were found in over 99 percent of bottled water samples from 15 countries, including the UK, France, Norway, Finland, China, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
Earlier this year, Bluewater’s own investigation uncovered significant levels of PFAS chemicals in London, where over eight million people reside. PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to several health issues such as elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, reproductive issues, and a heightened risk of certain cancers.
“The latest research demands urgent global action to tackle the threats to the planet’s health and future generations posed not least by single-use plastic bottles and the water they contain, including banning the worst offenders from selling their products,” commented Bengt Rittri, founder and CEO of Bluewater.
Rittri, a well-known Swedish ecopreneur and the founder of air purification company Blueair (which he sold to Unilever in 2016), stated that the findings should be a wake-up call to governments around the world. He pointed out that with over 600 billion single-use plastic bottles produced annually, fewer than 15 percent are recycled, with the remainder being dumped in landfills or the ocean, where they release harmful chemicals into the environment.
In light of the findings, which present serious health risks to consumers across the globe, Bluewater has stressed the need for reliable and safe tap water systems. This urgency is further underscored by a recent US study, involving 141 countries, that revealed that 40 percent of people worldwide have lost confidence in municipal water, fearing it is unsafe.
“These findings are a wake-up call for consumers and regulators alike,” stated Rittri. He highlighted the growing concern that many authorities deem PFAS and other chemicals present in tap and bottled water to be acceptable because they are found at ‘low levels,’ but the cumulative effects could still pose significant health risks.
“PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to bioaccumulation. We know from research that even low-level exposure over time from different sources, including water, food, and air, may be linked to various health issues, including immune system effects, hormone disruption, and increased risk of certain cancers.”
Bluewater’s purification technology, designed for use in homes, businesses, and outdoor environments, offers an effective solution to the problem by delivering healthier tap water. Independent tests have shown that the company’s systems are capable of removing 99% of harmful chemicals, including PFAS. Through its advanced SuperiorOsmosis™ technology, Bluewater’s innovative systems eliminate up to 99.7 percent of contaminants, allowing people to take charge of their water quality and safeguard their health.
“As awareness of these potential risks grows, it becomes increasingly important for more stringent regulations, better testing methods, and most importantly, increased transparency about contaminants in drinking water. Consumers are not just bystanders in this issue and need to be given the knowledge they need to protect themselves against contamination by PFAS and other chemicals,” Rittri concluded.
