The magazine “UFC-Que Choisir” and the NGO Future generations revealed a study on the presence of this PFAS in tap water. They ask for the adoption of “stricter and protective” standards.
Is your tap water contaminated? An investigation Made by the magazine UFC-Que Choisir And the NGO Générations Futures reveals, Wednesday, January 23, the massive presence of eternal pollutants (PFAS) in 96% of drinking water samples taken from 30 French municipalities. Among these chemical compounds, one of them was found in particularly large quantities: trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Here is what you need to know about this eternal pollutant that could already be in your glass of water.
An “eternal pollutant” from a herbicide
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is part of the large family of treacherous and polyfluoroalkylas (PFAS) substances. These “eternal pollutants” include thousands of different chemical compounds, grouped not because of the same level of toxicity, but because of their very stable carbon-flow bond which implies strong persistence in the environment.
This characteristic made them very useful for the industry, which has used them since the 1950s to make objects resistant to heat, waterproof or non -stick. Concretely, they are found in stoves, sportswear, fast food packaging, anti-fire foam or pesticides.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) often comes from the degradation of a herbicide: Flufenacet. “It is the smallest molecule of this large family”exchange Fabrizio Pariselli, Director of the CNRS for chemical risk prevention unit. Its small size makes it very volatile. “We can detect it in the atmosphere and in the environment at distances distant from the place where it has been generated or produced”completes the researcher.
A molecule presents (almost) everywhere
Small villages, large metropolises, close to industrial sites or polluted watercourses … Future generations and theUFC-Que Choisir have taken drinking water samples in a wide variety of localities in mainland France. TFA was present almost everywhere: in 24 out of the 30 municipalities represented.
On the podium of the most affected cities, we find the small town of Moussac in the Gard (13,000 NG/L). It is followed by the 10th arrondissement of Paris (6,200 ng/l), and Bruserolles in Vienne (2,600 ng/l). Note that Moussac is located near Salinders, where a factory of the Solvay group produced TFA until last September.
At an individual level, it is currently difficult to protect it completely. Indeed, the TFA is “Less well selected” that other PFAS by water decontamination techniques, according to Julie Merett, researcher at the University of Montpellier. “There is no miracle solution to offer consumers”car “Bottle water is also contaminated and the filters are not effective”confirms Pauline Cervan, toxicologist of future generations. For the NGO, it is therefore up to the authorities to apply a precautionary principle.
-A level of dangerousness in question
Many research is underway on “eternal pollutants”, but the diversity of the molecules studied makes this work titanic. One thing is certain: “The more science studies these substances, the more it discovers deleterious effects on health”note theUFC-Que Choisir.
Regarding TFA, “It is a substance that has not been very studied at the moment”confirms Fabrizio Pariselli. The researcher specifies that an assessment is underway at European level. And for good reason: this chemical compound could attack the liver and present risks of birth malformations. However, it would not be “As dangerous as PFOA or PFOS”prohibited in Europe for several years, according to the study.
Evolutionary legislation
PFAS standards have been evolving in recent years, over the progress of scientific research. Internationally, only three PFASs have already been prohibited or restricted: the PFOS (in 2009), the PFOA (in 2020) and the PFHXS (in 2022).
In 2026, France will also have to apply a European directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption. This European standard plans to limit the presence of 20 pfas regulated at 100 nanograms per liter. But for the moment, the TFA is not part of the twenty “eternal pollutants” deemed priority by the European Union. If this was the case, the TFA would exceed the authorized threshold for 20 of the 30 samples.
“What is missing today are the safety thresholds. We do not know what levels are the safe level of concentration of these substances in food or drinking water.”
Fabrizio Pariselli, toxicologuein franceinfo
Faced with these uncertainties, theUFC-Que Choisir and future generations require the integration of TFA into the water control plan, the adoption of standards “stricter and protective”reinforcement of controls on industrial discharges and the ban on pesticides classified as PFAS. A bill aimed at restricting the manufacture and sale of PFAS, adopted at first reading in spring 2024 by deputies, must again be subject to the vote of parliamentarians on February 20. At European level, a restriction project is also under study.
