n recent years, water pollution has become an escalating problem across Europe. A new report reveals alarming levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a chemical byproduct from certain pesticides and industrial processes, belonging to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.
Key Findings from the Report
The report, prepared by the Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) in collaboration with various environmental organizations, reveals several shocking facts:
- Widespread Pollution: All water samples analyzed in the study contain PFAS, with over 98% of the detected chemicals being TFA. This indicates that TFA is the dominant pollutant in European water sources.
- Exceeding Safe Limits: Approximately 79% of the water samples exceed the proposed safe limit of 500 nanograms per liter (ng/l) for total PFAS in drinking water, raising serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in Europe.
- The study found TFA contamination in surface and groundwater in ten EU countries, making it the largest known regional water contamination by a human-made chemical.
- The primary sources of TFA include PFAS pesticides in agriculture, emissions from refrigerants, industrial pollution, and wastewater treatment plants.
Why is TFA Pollution a Significant Issue?
The presence of TFA and other PFAS in water poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health. PFAS chemicals are known for their accumulation in the environment and their potential to cause various health problems, including cancers, liver damage, and immune system weakening.
TFA pollution is particularly concerning because it affects both surface and groundwater in agricultural areas, suggesting that PFAS pesticides are the main source of this contamination.
Sources of TFA Pollution
The primary sources of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) pollution are mainly PFAS pesticides used in rural areas. In addition to this, industrial emissions, refrigerants, and wastewater also contribute significantly. Over time, these chemicals break down into TFA, leading to widespread pollution over large areas, with the highest levels observed in regions with intensive agricultural pesticide use.
What Needs to Be Done?
The report calls for immediate and decisive action to address the TFA pollution problem. It emphasizes the need for urgent and specific measures, including:
- Ban on PFAS Pesticides: Implementing a swift ban on PFAS-based pesticides to prevent further contamination.
- Enhanced Regulation: Introducing strict limits and monitoring for TFA under the EU Water Framework Directive and the REACH chemicals regulation.
- Public Awareness: Educating the public about the dangers of PFAS exposure and advocating for safer alternatives to these chemicals.
The contamination of water sources with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and other PFAS chemicals represents a serious threat to the environment and public health that cannot be ignored. Without timely and stringent regulatory actions, this problem will worsen, leaving future generations to deal with the severe consequences. The time has come for European governments to take decisive steps to limit these dangerous pollutants and protect our water sources.
Access the full report here.