Can Sparkling Water Increase Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

You Should Know: There’s a new health concern bubbling up online: Some people are worried that sparkling water could cause colorectal cancer. But you can keep drinking your Spindrift in peace: Sparkling water itself does not increase your risk of cancer. The bubbles come from carbon dioxide, and there’s no evidence that carbonation is carcinogenic. The concern stems from toxins detected in flavored sparkling drinks — namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” linked to packaging or water sources.

Going Deeper: The theory gained traction after Consumer Reports found measurable PFAS levels in some sparkling water brands in 2020, sparking viral social posts and Reddit discussions about forever chemicals. PFAS exposure has been associated with certain cancers, but current evidence does not show sparkling water is a major source of dangerous exposure or directly tied to colorectal cancer. That said, some health experts caution that even low levels of exposure could pose a risk, because the science and guidelines around PFAS exposure are still evolving — there’s a lot we still don’t know.

Takeaway: Sparkling water is not known to raise colorectal cancer risk. The viral fear stems from broader debates about PFAS, where evidence remains mixed and evolving.

Bottom Line: Sparkling water appears safe, but there is potential for exposure to contaminants. It’s up to each individual to make their own risk assessment.