A report reveals widespread contamination of European waterways with trifluoroacetic acid, a persistent pollutant from the PFAS family.
Stéphane Mandard reports for Le Monde.
In short:
- Water samples from 10 EU countries show high levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in most rivers and aquifers.
- The French government aims to make the Seine swimmable by 2025, but TFA pollution presents new concerns.
- Experts warn about TFA's potential health impacts, including immune and reproductive system effects.
Key quote:
"This is without doubt the most significant and widespread contamination of European surface and groundwater by a man-made chemical."
— Salomé Roynel, coordinator of the PAN network
Why this matters:
TFA is a lesser-known but pervasive chemical contaminant in European rivers, posing health risks due to its persistence and potential toxicity. Addressing this pollution may require extensive measures, including possible bans on certain PFAS-related products.
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