Researchers are increasingly worried about trifluoroacetic acid, a "forever chemical" now found in water supplies globally, raising potential health concerns.
Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- TFA, a type of PFAS, has been detected at high levels in rainwater, groundwater, and drinking water.
- The chemical's small size makes it difficult to filter and its widespread use in refrigeration and other products increases environmental contamination.
- Regulatory bodies like the EPA are not currently monitoring TFA, and there are no U.S. regulations addressing its presence in water supplies.
Key quote:
"The situation is that we have TFA in all the drinking water. You are drinking it right now. Everyone’s drinking it."
— David Behringer, environmental consultant
Why this matters:
One of the primary worries is that TFA can accumulate in the body over time. Continuous exposure, even at low levels, could potentially lead to adverse health effects, though the full extent of these impacts is still under investigation. Researchers are particularly concerned about the possible links to developmental and reproductive issues, as well as impacts on the liver and kidneys.
