Safe drinking water is a cornerstone of health, but a new discovery challenges this assumption.
Researchers have found traces of a harmful chemical in mineral water sold in several European countries, reports Digi24.
This chemical, called TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), belongs to the family of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
These substances are known for their resilience in the environment and their ability to accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms.
TFA is commonly used in pesticides and industrial refrigerants. It has been linked to health problems, including effects on reproductive health.
The contamination appears to stem from heavy pesticide use. These pesticides either contain TFA or transform into it after release into the environment.
Levels of TFA detected in mineral water exceed safety limits set by European authorities in some cases, raising concerns about public health.
Pesticide Action Network Europe conducted the study. They tested 19 brands of mineral water and found TFA in 10 of them.
In some cases, the levels were 32 times higher than what would trigger regulatory action in the European Union.
Angeliki Lysimachou, a co-author of the study, emphasized that this issue is not the fault of mineral water producers.
The contamination comes from environmental pollution caused by humans.
PFAS chemicals, including TFA, are widely used because they are stable and effective. However, this stability makes them a serious environmental hazard.
TFA is also a byproduct of newer refrigerants designed to replace older greenhouse gases.
While marketed as safer alternatives, these chemicals have a lasting impact, persisting in the environment for centuries.
Authorities are beginning to act. The European Commission is considering a ban on two pesticides that contain TFA compounds.
Switzerland has detected widespread TFA contamination in its groundwater.
Meanwhile, in the United States, rainwater tests in Michigan revealed TFA in all samples, yet the Environmental Protection Agency recently loosened regulations on the chemical.
This discovery underscores the growing need for stricter controls. Independent researchers are urging a ban on PFAS-based pesticides to address one of the most significant sources of TFA pollution.
For now, the presence of TFA in mineral water serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of pollution on the environment.
