Traces of the unregulated PFAS chemical trifluoroacetic acid have been discovered in tap and bottled water throughout Europe, posing a potential health risk.
Stéphane Mandard reports for Le Monde.
In short:
- PAN Europe found TFA in 94% of tap water and 63% of bottled water samples across 11 European countries.
- TFA contamination mainly stems from pesticides, fluorinated gases, and industrial discharges.
- Paris has high TFA levels, with 2,100 ng/l in tap water, resistant to current treatment methods.
Key quote:
"Our study exposes an invisible threat: TFA is massively contaminating drinking water in Europe."
— Salomé Roynel, PAN network coordinator.
Why this matters:
The discovery of TFA in drinking water is troubling due to its potential health implications. PFAS chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormone disruption, immune system effects, and increased risk of certain cancers. While TFA itself is not as extensively studied, its classification within the PFAS family raises red flags about its safety.
