Overview

• Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a 'forever chemical,' was detected in 24 of 30 cities tested, exceeding European regulatory limits in 20 cities.
• TFA is part of the PFAS family, known for its environmental persistence and potential health risks, including impacts on fertility and cancer development over long-term exposure.
• Paris ranked second in TFA concentration (6,200 ng/l), with the highest levels found in Moussac (13,000 ng/l), linked to a nearby former chemical production site.
• The chemical is challenging to remove from water due to its small size and high mobility, making current filtration technologies less effective.
• Advocacy groups criticize France's lenient water safety standards compared to other countries and call for stricter regulations and precautionary measures.