By CASC4DE November 14, 2024
🔬 Recent studies have highlighted concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” in water supplies across Europe. These persistent pollutants are known for their extreme durability in the environment and their potential impacts on human and environmental health.
🧪 Among them, trifluoroacetic acid and its salts (TFA) has drawn particular attention due to its prevalence and difficulty in remediation. Recently renewed interest in TFA has resurfaced because of its rapidly increasing concentrations detected in remote areas, along with its widespread presence in drinking water sources and human blood. This accumulation occurs because many PFAS break down into TFA as a transformation product.
➡️ In a comprehensive study, “The Global Threat from the Irreversible Accumulation of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA)” published by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Hans Peter H. Arp, Andrea Gredelj from Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Juliane Glüge and Martin Scheringer from ETH Zürich, and Ian T. Cousins from Stockholm University found significant levels of TFA in Europe’s water resources, with concentrations steadily increasing due to widespread industrial and consumer product use. The analysis highlights that TFA and related PFAS compounds are particularly challenging to address due to their resistance to natural breakdown processes and existing water treatment technologies. This discovery underscores a growing challenge for European water utilities that are working to protect public health amidst evolving chemical threats.
➡️ The European Federation of National Associations of Water Services (EurEau) echoed the call from the Pesticide Action Network PAN Europe for swift intervention, urging policymakers to implement stringent regulations on PFAS usage and discharge. As the prevalence of these chemicals grows, collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and water utilities are essential to protect Europe’s water supplies and public health.
🔗 Read more on EurEau and PAN Europe websites
➡️ In France, national media have spotlighted the urgency of PFAS contamination in drinking water sources, with Libération and Le Monde reporting that more than half of the French population is consuming water contaminated by PFAS levels exceeding quality standards. Both outlets emphasized the potential public health risks posed by these chemicals, especially as TFA and related compounds are not effectively removed by conventional treatment methods. Libération reports that many French municipalities face contamination levels that significantly exceed European regulatory limits, marking a critical concern for the country’s water infrastructure and regulatory bodies. Similarly, Le Monde detailed the challenges faced by French water providers in addressing these persistent pollutants, highlighting the need for advanced filtration and urgent policy reform.
🔗 Read more on Liberation and Le Monde articles
➡️ In addition, localized testing by the environmental journalism outlet Reporterre revealed high concentrations of PFAS in drinking water across 13 municipalities in the Gard region. This data, shared publicly for the first time, underscores the widespread nature of PFAS contamination even in smaller communities. Residents in affected areas have raised concerns, prompting calls for urgent action from both local and national authorities.
🔗 Read more on the Reporterre website
🗣️ With Europe’s water utilities under pressure, researchers, populations and environmental organizations are advocating for stricter regulations and robust solutions to address this growing issue.