TFA is introduced into the tap water of Lyonnais

Drinking water distributed by Eau Publique du Grand Lyon had until now escaped revelations linked to PFAS contamination in the urban area. Of the 20 PFAS searched, the analyzes did not demonstrate levels beyond the 100ng/l of the future European standard applicable in France in 2026. A national study carried out by theUFC What to choose and Future Generations shakes up these data this Thursday, January 23.

A substance off the radar

“TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a residue from the degradation of PFAS pesticides and other eternal chemicals, at a level of 120 ng/l” was thus detected in Lyon water, assure the leaders of the study. subject of tap water from the Crépieux-Charmy catchment field, source of 98% of the drinking water distributed in the Metropolis.

A molecule which is not part of the cocktail of 20 PFAS traditionally studied by the authorities during their sampling and which does not yet incorporate European regulations. A cocktail incorporating PFAS considered dangerous to health to varying degrees like PFOA but until now still compliant on the Greater Lyon public water network with the 100ng/l standard.

Health: a result to be handled with caution

The effects of TFA on health are still poorly documented in the scientific literature today. Integrating the family of per and polyfuoroalkylates, known for their persistence in the environment, particularly water, and their bio-accumulative nature in the body, they are however suspected as potential endocrine disruptors, reprotoxic or as being able to have “effects on the liver and malformations in fetuses.

Assertions to be handled with caution but which, by virtue of the precautionary principle, lead the UFC que chose du Rhône to ask “to integrate TFA research into the official control plan and to adopt more protective standards on the presence of PFAS in tap water, based on recent toxicological data” while generally emphasizing the urgency of banning “the manufacture and discharge of PFAS”. A boost of pressure on parliamentarians called to vote at the end of February on the bill aimed at reducing the use of PFAS in France within the framework of the Environmentalists' niche.

At the time of publication, the Métropole de Lyon at the head of Public Water of Greater Lyon has not yet responded to our request.