In this paper energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Williamson-Hall grain size/strain characterization techniques were used to determine the effect exhaust water electrical conductivity, heating and electrical current had on Proton Exchange Membrane electrocatalyst degradation and the underlying mechanism. Quartz containing polybenzimidazole polymer had 6 nm of platinum sputter-coated and while 50 to 400 cycles of either 0.7 mA or 30 mA current were applied. Results showed between 38% (overall) and 100% (locally) platinum removal using 0.7 mA (400 cycles) or 30 mA (50 cycles) using water with 5 vol% acetic acid. The acetic acid increased the water's electrical conductivity and helped transport quartz to the sample surface to interact with the platinum. This interaction increased quartz's lattice strain to 1.4% and resulted in detached platinum. Furthermore, similar results may occur using membranes formulated with acid side chains, which can leach during thermal decomposition and destroy stack performance. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.