Currently, no regulatory limits for TFA in drinking water have been established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union, or individual Member States. Consequently, testing for this chemical has been limited. However, recent EU-level reassessments of TFA are expected to lead to the establishment of health-based limit values for drinking water.
TFA is a highly mobile and persistent chemical that is ubiquitous in the environment. While it is used in the chemical industry, it is also the final breakdown product of many PFAS compounds. These properties make the removal of TFA from the environment a significant challenge, requiring complex and costly filtration technologies, which can place a considerable financial burden on water consumers.
For humans, most PFAS exposure comes from food, while water (including drinking water) acts as a secondary source. The PAN Europe/Global 2000 study suggests that average TFA concentrations in drinking water and mineral water samples currently fall within limits considered safe. However, the continued emissions of TFA will inevitably lead to its accumulation in the environment. This accumulation raises concerns about long-term effects on human health and ecosystems.
A particularly troubling issue is the presence of hundreds of nanograms of TFA in rainwater, which replenishes our vital water resources. This contamination is largely attributed to the emissions and atmospheric degradation of fluorinated gases, especially hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Additionally, the use of PFAS-containing pesticides in agriculture significantly contributes to pollution, creating a vicious cycle of contamination that impacts our water sources and soil.
To address this issue, it is crucial for policymakers to implement strict preventive measures and hold polluters accountable. Only through international collaboration and robust environmental policies can we ensure the long-term protection of our water resources and public health.
