Cape Town, South Africa – A newly published study has revealed the widespread presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment works across Africa. Based on an analysis of over 30 academic papers, the research should set alarm bells ringing for Africa, says water purification and beverage innovator Bluewater, which calls for an urgent response from the continent’s health authorities and governments.
“This new research is both alarming and damning as it spotlights the grim widespread contamination of African water sources and the acute human health risks posed,” says Bluewater founder and CEO Bengt Rittri, a Swedish ecopreneur. He noted the research, published in the science journal Chemosphere in October, highlights how health-threatening ‘forever chemicals’ such as toxic PFAS contaminate water sources in 11 African countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.
PFAS, commonly used in consumer products like non-stick cookware, fire-fighting foams, and waterproof clothing, are notorious for their persistence in the environment. They resist degradation, often accumulating in water, soil, and living organisms, with links to serious health issues such as cancer, liver damage, and immune dysfunction.
The new study points to municipal landfills, wastewater plants, and industrial runoff as key sources of contamination. With some areas of Africa showing PFAS levels that exceed ecological safety standards, Bluewater believes the need for action has never been more pressing.
Bluewater offers a proven solution with its advanced water purification and beverage technology for homes, offices, or public spaces. The company’s systems, sold across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, efficiently remove up to 99.7% of PFAS and other harmful chemicals from tap water.
With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Bluewater is ideally positioned to help communities across Southern Africa tackle this rising public health threat and provide peace of mind, ensuring safe, clean drinking water free from toxic contaminants.
“We believe access to clean, safe water is a fundamental right,” says Bengt Rittri.
“As PFAS contamination spreads across Africa, it’s crucial that both individuals and authorities take swift action to protect public health. Our solutions offer a simple, effective way to reduce exposure to PFAS and other water-borne contaminants and ensure water quality for homes and businesses alike.”
