Concerns are rising over trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) found in tap water across various cities, with a study revealing it exceeds safe limits in 20 of 30 municipalities surveyed. TFA, a persistent pollutant linked to potential health risks, notably fertility issues and cancer, is often overlooked in routine water tests. Experts are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring, especially since TFA is difficult to remove through standard purification methods. The investigation highlights the need for more robust public health protections regarding water quality.
Concerns Over Trifluoroacetic Acid in Tap Water
A recent investigation has raised alarms regarding the presence of a challenging pollutant, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), in the tap water of numerous cities. This study, released on January 23 by UFC-Que Choisir and the environmental organization Générations Futures, reveals that TFA has been detected in 24 out of 30 municipalities surveyed, surpassing the European reference limit of 100 nanograms per liter for regulated PFAS in 20 of those locations.
The Environmental Impact and Health Risks of TFA
TFA is classified as a “quasi indestructible” substance, part of a larger group of over 4,700 persistent pollutants that accumulate in various environments, including air, soil, and waterways. Preliminary studies suggest that prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to fertility issues and an increased risk of certain cancers.
While TFA is not deemed as hazardous as other banned substances like PFOA or PFOS, there are still uncertainties surrounding its toxicity. TFA’s resistance to environmental degradation underscores its potential long-term effects.
Among the municipalities analyzed, Paris exhibited a TFA concentration of 6200 ng/l, ranking second after Moussac, which recorded 13,000 ng/l. Bruxerolles followed with 2600 ng/l. The proximity of Moussac to a former Solvay group factory, which produced TFA until last September, raises additional concerns.
Alarmingly, TFA is rarely monitored by regional health agencies during routine drinking water assessments in France. The study indicates that TFA often arises from the breakdown of flufenacet, a herbicide recently evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa), which identified it as an endocrine disruptor.
Experts like Pauline Cervan from Générations Futures advocate for stricter regulations, asserting that if a substance is recognized as an endocrine disruptor, its byproducts should also be rigorously monitored.
One of the challenges in addressing the TFA issue is its unique characteristics as a “short-chain PFAS.” Julie Mendret, a researcher at the University of Montpellier, explains that its smaller size makes it less effectively removed by common water decontamination methods such as activated carbon and membrane filtration.
Aside from TFA, the organizations also evaluated 33 PFAS compounds, noting that the levels of these pollutants, aside from TFA, comply with France’s existing standards. However, these standards are considerably less stringent than those implemented in countries like the United States or Denmark. As such, both UFC-Que Choisir and Générations Futures are advocating for the adoption of the precautionary principle to enhance public health protection.