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Africa's awe-inspiring Lake Victoria, nestling between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has been spotlighted as a 'forever chemicals' hotspot in a new research study (Photo Credit Lake VictorIa Credit fivepointsix_iStock-1794626004)
Africa's awe-inspiring Lake Victoria, nestling between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has been spotlighted as a 'forever chemicals' hotspot in a new research study (Photo Credit Lake VictorIa Credit fivepointsix_iStock-1794626004)

Press release -

Bluewater says new evidence of rising toxic chemicals in Africa’s water systems is 'alarming'

Stockholm, Sweden, December 8, 2024 – 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.”

For more information about Bluewater’s water purification systems and how they can help protect against PFAS contamination, visit the Bluewater website. Or reach out to our press relations team at news@bluewatergroup.com who will put you in direct contact with our local contacts. Bluewater global chief press officer Dave Noble can be contacted directly on +44 7785 302 694 (Mobile/WhatsApp) or david.noble@bluewatergroup.com.

About Bluewater:

Founded in 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, Bluewater has set its sights on being the world’s most planet-friendly water purification and beverage company by innovating and marketing disruptive hydration solutions for people at home, work, and play. Bluewater Group products are available globally to consumers, hotel and catering operations, event and venue organizations, educational institutions, and for public dispensing. Learn more about our purpose-driven mission on our website www.bluewatergroup.com

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Founded 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, Bluewater has set its sights on being the world's most planet-friendly water purification and beverage company by innovating and marketing disruptive hydration solutions for home, work, and play. Bluewater products are available globally to consumers, hotel and catering operations, event and venue organizations, and educational institutions. www.bluewatergroup.com [IG1]



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David Noble

David Noble

Press contact PR & Communications Director Public relations and corporate communications +44 7785 302 694

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