TFA present in tap water almost everywhere in Europe, according to a study

This substance, whose health effects are still poorly understood, is present in 94% of tap water samples analyzed, according to several European environmental NGOs.

We “drink” eternal pollutants every day, this is the alert launched on Wednesday, July 10, by several European associations of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe). Their analyses reveal the widespread presence of a persistent pollutant (TFA) in drinking water. TFA, these three letters mean: trifluoroacetic acid. It is a persistent chemical product that comes from the degradation of eternal pollutants of certain pesticides or refrigerant gases.

According to this study conducted in 11 European Union countries, this substance is present in 94% of tap water samples analyzed, but also in 63% of bottled water samples taken. The European Pesticide Action Network, which is behind these analyses, is therefore calling for a ban on PFAS pesticides to stop pollution at source.

The effects of these TFAs on health are still poorly understood and poorly evaluated, but at this stage studies have pointed out toxicity to the liver and a risk of malformation for fetuses, this has been observed in animals. Reassuringly, the levels of TFA measured in this study seem to remain below the thresholds dangerous for health. However, these associations denounce a risk of cocktail effect with other eternal pollutants present elsewhere. PFAS represent a family of more than 4000 molecules useful in everyday objects for their non-stick, heat-resistant, or waterproofing properties. They are therefore everywhere, and several studies have pointed out their toxicity. To preserve the quality of drinking water, the European Union has set a maximum limit of 500 nanograms of eternal pollutants per liter from 2026. TFA was not taken into account in setting this limit, so environmental NGOs are calling for an adaptation of this threshold.

In France, the bill to restrict the sale of products containing eternal pollutants has been on hold since the dissolution. It was to be voted on in the second reading in the National Assembly, after passing through the Senate. The key article of this text provides for preventing, from January 1, 2026, the manufacture, import and sale of products, cosmetics or textiles containing eternal pollutants. The ban on kitchen utensils containing PFAS had been removed from the initial text by the deputies. The measure has not been introduced into the text at this stage, despite requests from the left.