Mineral water has long been associated with natural purity, its very definition under EU law resting on its “originally pure” quality. Yet, a recent investigation reveals a concerning presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a so-called “forever chemical,” in some European mineral waters. This discovery highlights an environmental issue with significant implications for water quality and public health.
What is TFA?
TFA is a highly mobile, water-soluble chemical that resists degradation in nature. Classified within the group of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), TFA originates from the breakdown of various PFAS products, such as pesticides and refrigerant gases. Over recent decades, its presence has surged globally, contaminating rainwater, rivers, soil, plants, food, and even human blood. TFA’s persistence and ubiquity raise concerns among scientists, with some classifying it as a planetary boundary threat due to its potential to disrupt Earth’s vital systems.
Mineral Water and TFA
Mineral water, often drawn from deep underground aquifers, is expected to remain free from human-made pollutants. However, a study conducted by eleven member organisations of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe found otherwise. Testing mineral waters from various European countries, the study identified TFA contamination in 7 out of 19 samples. In some cases, the levels exceeded the EU drinking water limit for pesticide metabolites (0.1 µg/l or 100 ng/l).
One alarming result showed TFA levels reaching 3,200 ng/l, far above the proposed 2026 EU Drinking Water Directive threshold of 0.5 µg/l (500 ng/l) for total PFAS. While current health guidelines indicate no immediate health risk from these levels, even with high daily consumption, the findings challenge the perception of mineral water as a pristine product.
The Scope of the Investigation
The study included mineral water brands from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Samples were analysed using HPLC-MS-MS technology at the Water Technology Centre in Karlsruhe, with a detection limit of 50 nanograms per litre (ng/l). Confirmatory testing in autumn validated the summer findings, ensuring reliability.
Despite the thorough methodology, the study faced limitations. Trace contamination below quantifiable levels was detected in some samples, but these results were excluded to avoid false positives. Additionally, the testing covered a fraction of the more than 500 certified European mineral water sources, suggesting the problem could be more widespread.
A Broader Environmental Concern
TFA contamination in mineral water is symptomatic of a larger issue: the unchecked use of PFAS chemicals. PFAS are widely employed in industrial and agricultural applications due to their durability, but their persistence poses long-term environmental challenges. The study highlights the need for stringent bans on PFAS pesticides, F-gases, and other precursor substances to mitigate the problem at its source.
Transparency and Public Awareness
The decision to publish these findings was not without controversy. Some mineral water companies argued that their inclusion in the study was unfair, given their limited ability to prevent TFA contamination. Others expressed concern about undue focus on specific brands. Nonetheless, PAN Europe prioritised transparency, citing three main reasons:
- Consumer Rights: Consumers have the right to know whether products they trust are contaminated with potentially harmful substances.
- Transparency Standards: Environmental organisations must exemplify the openness they demand from public authorities.
- Accountability: A lack of transparency among industries and regulators has allowed the TFA issue to escalate unchecked.
Implications for Consumers and Industry
For consumers, the findings reinforce the need to scrutinise even trusted products. While mineral water remains less contaminated on average than tap water, the presence of TFA undermines its “originally pure” status.
For the mineral water industry, the results highlight the importance of proactive measures. Companies may need to collaborate more closely with regulators and environmental groups to address pollution risks to their water sources.
The Way Forward
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for policymakers. Comprehensive restrictions on PFAS chemicals and greater investment in water protection measures are crucial to preventing further contamination. Public awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in driving these changes, ensuring that the “forever chemical” problem does not continue to grow unnoticed.
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