Scientists studied harmful chemicals called PFAS (forever chemicals) that don’t break down in nature and are found in water, soil, and our bodies. Researchers looked at how much of these chemicals are in Spain’s water and people’s blood compared to other countries. They found that some areas in Spain have higher levels than others, especially near industrial areas. The good news is that some water treatment methods work well at removing these chemicals. This research shows we need better ways to monitor and remove these chemicals to keep people healthy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much of a group of harmful chemicals called PFAS (forever chemicals) are found in Spanish water, soil, and people’s bodies, and how well different water treatment methods remove them
  • Who participated: This was a review study that looked at data from many previous studies done in Spain and other countries. It included information about PFAS levels in people’s blood, drinking water, rivers, and environmental samples across different regions
  • Key finding: Certain areas in Spain (especially Catalonia and Galicia) have higher levels of these forever chemicals in their water and people’s bodies compared to other regions. Newer, shorter versions of these chemicals are becoming more common in rivers and tap water, while the older, longer versions have decreased due to regulations
  • What it means for you: If you live in Spain, your water may contain these chemicals, but current levels appear to be below amounts known to cause immediate harm. However, because these chemicals don’t break down, they build up over time, so better water treatment and monitoring are important for long-term health protection

The Research Details

This was a review study, meaning scientists looked at and summarized information from many previous research studies instead of conducting one new experiment. They gathered data about PFAS chemicals found in Spanish people’s blood, drinking water, rivers, and other environmental sources. They also compared Spain’s results with findings from the United States and other European countries to see how similar the contamination levels were.

The researchers examined where these chemicals were coming from (like industrial areas and water treatment plants), whether the amounts were going up or down over time, and which water treatment methods worked best at removing them. They looked at different regions across Spain to see if some areas had more contamination than others.

Understanding where these chemicals are and how much exposure people have is crucial because PFAS chemicals don’t break down naturally—they stay in our bodies and the environment forever. By reviewing all the available research together, scientists can see the bigger picture of the problem and identify which areas need the most attention. This type of study helps governments and water companies decide what actions to take to protect public health.

This review was published in a respected scientific journal called Chemosphere. The researchers looked at multiple studies from different regions and time periods, which makes the findings more reliable than a single study. However, because this is a review of existing research rather than a new experiment, the quality depends on the quality of the studies they reviewed. The findings are current as of early 2026 and include recent data about how these chemicals are changing over time.

What the Results Show

The study found that people living in certain parts of Spain have measurable amounts of PFAS chemicals in their blood. In some regions, the average blood levels were quite high (10,460 nanograms per liter for PFOS and 2,720 nanograms per liter for PFOA), though these levels varied depending on where people lived, what they ate, and how close they were to industrial areas.

Geographically, the northeastern region (Catalonia) and northwestern region (Galicia) had the highest contamination levels, while the Canary Islands had the lowest. This suggests that industrial activities and water sources in certain areas are contributing more chemicals to the environment.

In rivers and tap water, the pattern is shifting. The older, longer-chain PFAS chemicals (like PFOS and PFOA) have decreased since regulations were put in place to limit their use. However, newer, shorter-chain PFAS chemicals (like PFBA and PFBS) are becoming more common in rivers, tap water, and even protected natural areas like Albufera Natural Park. This suggests that companies are switching to these newer chemicals, which may be easier to transport through water and harder to remove.

The research found that conventional water treatment methods (like basic filtration) don’t remove PFAS chemicals very well. However, more advanced methods like reverse osmosis (forcing water through a special membrane) and granular activated carbon (using special charcoal to filter water) are much more effective at removing these chemicals. This is important information for water companies deciding how to protect drinking water supplies.

The study also noted that PFAS levels in Spain are similar to those found in the United States and other European countries, suggesting this is a widespread global problem rather than just a Spanish issue.

Previous research has shown that PFAS chemicals are found worldwide and that they accumulate in human bodies over time. This review confirms those findings and adds new information about how the types of PFAS chemicals are changing. The shift from long-chain to short-chain PFAS chemicals is a newer trend that reflects how industries are responding to regulations by switching to different chemicals that may have their own risks.

This review study has some limitations to understand. First, because it’s reviewing existing studies rather than conducting new research, the quality of the findings depends on how well those previous studies were done. Second, not all regions of Spain may have been studied equally, so some areas might be better understood than others. Third, the health effects of the newer short-chain PFAS chemicals are not yet fully understood, so we don’t know if they’re safer or more dangerous than the older chemicals. Finally, the study notes that current PFAS levels in Spain appear to be below amounts known to cause immediate health problems, but because these chemicals accumulate over a lifetime, long-term effects are still uncertain.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, water companies should upgrade their treatment systems to use reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, which are proven to remove PFAS chemicals effectively (moderate confidence). Governments should improve monitoring of PFAS levels in water and people’s bodies to track whether the problem is getting better or worse (high confidence). Regulations should be updated to address the newer short-chain PFAS chemicals that are becoming more common (moderate confidence). People living in areas with higher contamination may want to consider using filtered drinking water until better public water treatment is available (low to moderate confidence).

Everyone should care about this research because PFAS chemicals are widespread and found in most people’s bodies. However, people living in industrial areas or near contaminated water sources (especially in Catalonia and Galicia) should be most concerned. Pregnant women and young children may want to be extra cautious since developing bodies might be more sensitive to chemical exposure. People with existing health conditions should talk to their doctors about whether they need to take extra precautions. This research is less relevant for people living in areas with very low contamination, but even they may have some exposure through food and other sources.

PFAS chemicals accumulate slowly over years and decades, so you won’t see immediate health effects from exposure. However, switching to filtered water or other protective measures could reduce your exposure starting immediately. The benefits of better water treatment systems would take months to years to fully implement across a region. Long-term health benefits from reduced exposure would likely take years or decades to become apparent, since these chemicals stay in your body for a long time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your drinking water source daily (tap water, filtered water, bottled water) and note your location. This helps you understand your potential PFAS exposure patterns and whether changes to your water source make a difference in how you feel over time
  • Switch to using a water filter certified to remove PFAS chemicals (reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters) for your drinking and cooking water. Log this change in the app and track it for at least 3 months to establish the habit
  • Monthly, note any changes in your energy levels, skin health, or other wellness markers since switching water sources. While PFAS effects are long-term, tracking these markers helps you stay aware of your health and can provide useful information if you ever need to discuss chemical exposure with a doctor

This research is a review of existing studies about PFAS chemicals in water and human bodies. While the findings suggest current PFAS levels in Spain are generally below known health risk thresholds, these chemicals accumulate over time and long-term health effects are still being studied. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about chemical exposure or health effects, please consult with a healthcare provider or contact your local health department. Water safety regulations and treatment recommendations vary by location, so check with your local water utility for specific guidance about your drinking water.