Europe: Discovery of the "Forever Chemical" TFA in Mineral Water

Mineral water from several European countries has been found to be contaminated with TFA, a harmful "forever chemical" from the PFAS group, originating from pesticide use. This discovery has raised significant concerns among authorities and the scientific community.

According to the Pesticide Action Network Europe (PANE), 10 out of 19 mineral water samples tested were found to contain TFA at levels up to 32 times higher than the safety threshold. The study indicates that this contamination is primarily due to the use of pesticides containing TFA in European countries.

TFA is a chemical belonging to the PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) group, known for its durability and persistence in both the environment and human bodies. Recent studies have shown that TFA may cause serious health issues, including reproductive and endocrine system disruptions.

Urgent Warning from Experts

Angeliki Lysimachou, one of the study's authors, stated that TFA contamination is widespread, and most of the public is unaware of the severity of the issue. However, she emphasized that the research does not blame mineral water producers, as they are not responsible for the contamination. The purpose of the study is to call for urgent action from regulatory bodies to limit the use of TFA-containing pesticides.

PANE's research revealed that 93% of over 600 water samples in Belgium contained TFA, particularly in agricultural areas. In Switzerland, TFA was also detected in groundwater, and in the United States, all rainwater samples tested in Michigan contained this chemical.

TFA: A Major Threat to the Environment and Climate

In addition to its use in pesticides, TFA is also employed as a refrigerant to replace CFCs, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. However, recent studies have indicated that TFA itself is a potent greenhouse gas that can remain in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years. Approximately 60% of all PFAS chemicals produced between 2019 and 2023 were fluorinated gases that can break down into TFA.

PANE calls on nations and regulatory bodies to urgently implement control measures to stop TFA contamination, especially by limiting major sources of pollution, such as pesticides.

Source: The Guardian