Persistent Pollutant Found in Drinking Water of Numerous French Cities

A new report reveals high concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in tap water across 24 out of 30 tested cities, raising health and regulatory concerns.

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.