It seems as though every day another product is linked to a higher risk of cancer. Growing evidence suggests deli meats, alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed snacks may contribute to colorectal cancer.
In recent months, people have become increasingly concerned that canned sparkling water could increase your risk, too. On Instagram and TikTok, influencers claim the beverages, which are often marketed as a healthy alternative to soda, contain undisclosed chemicals and high levels of forever chemicals that cause cancer.
HuffPost reached out to two colorectal cancer specialists and asked them for their take on the sparkling water debate. Here’s what they said:
How exactly could sparkling water be linked to colorectal cancer?
The concern about sparkling water and cancer is not about the carbonated drink itself but the containers they are typically packaged in. Many cans are coated with protective linings or are exposed to contaminants — including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals — during the manufacturing and packaging processes. Other packaging includes plastic bottles, which are also more heavily linked to PFAS.
