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German beer can be hazardous to your health
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Researchers from Germany have found that beer, the drink considered the most popular in southern Germany, contains a toxic substance called arsenic. Despite the fact that the amount of arsenic in beer is slightly higher than the norm and is not capable of causing harm to human health, manufacturers have been warned about the need to change the technology for preparing the drink.
An interesting study was conducted by employees of the Munich University of Technology. During the analysis of the composition of some types of light beer, scientists discovered that the drink contains 2.4-2.6 times more arsenic, which is considered a poison, than is required by health standards. After a more thorough study of the beer composition, specialists reported the source of the toxic substance in the favorite drink of Bavarian residents.
After scientists found out where the harmful substance in beer comes from, a representative of the University of Munich gave a report on this topic at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans. For the study, German specialists selected more than 140 varieties of locally produced beer. For several months, scientists analyzed the composition of the drink in order to determine the presence of various substances harmful to the human body: metal particles, toxins, poisonous substances and pesticides. In addition to pollutants, arsenic was found in the light beer in an amount of 24 micrograms per liter. According to health standards, the maximum dose of arsenic in one liter of a liquid product should be no more than 9-10 micrograms.
The study's leaders explained that a great deal of time was spent determining the source of the toxic substance. The experts carefully checked all the components of the beer for arsenic. Hops, malt, water and other components of the drink were checked separately. The experts also checked the equipment used during brewing. As a result of analyzing all the data obtained, the scientists found out that arsenic is not contained in the components in its pure form, but is formed due to diatomite or kieselguhr, which is used in modern breweries to filter drinks. Kieselguhr, which is also called mountain earth, consists of the remains of diatomite algae and is a sedimentary rock. It is used in the textile industry, in the production of medicines and antibiotics, in the production of bleaching earths and building materials. Brewers use kieselguhr for the process of separating malt and hops from yeast, as a result of which the beer looks clean and transparent.
Analysis of the materials showed that some of them "release" poisonous arsenic during the brewing process. Arsenic in beer is not dangerous to human health, its amount is so small that it cannot cause poisoning or internal organ disease. Experts say that alcohol poisoning is more dangerous for a modern beer lover than arsenic poisoning. Despite its safety, experts have warned manufacturers that the use of diatomaceous earth can cause increased arsenic levels in the final product.
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