Forever chemicals

A recent study found that some beer produced in the U.S. — including in St. Louis County — contains PFAS. In total, RTI International tested 94 beers from 23 brands.

The compounds, called PFAS, are pervasive, but their impacts on human health and safety are still unclear.

Illinois finalized its PFAS limits in 2025, which is why some Metro East residents have been receiving letters from the Illinois EPA that PFAS have been detected above the limits.

As the EPA gets close to finalizing rules related to PFAS, some providers in Missouri could be forced to clean up their drinking water.