Scientists Discover Toxic Forever Chemical in European Mineral Waters

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A recent study conducted by the Pesticide Action Network Europe has revealed alarming findings regarding mineral water across several European nations. Researchers analyzed 19 samples of mineral water and discovered that 10 of them contained trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), at concentrations significantly above the threshold that should prompt action by the European Union. Some samples were found to have TFA levels up to 32 times higher than the regulatory limit.

The study's co-author, Angeliki Lysimachou, expressed concern about the widespread contamination, stating, "This has gone completely under the radar, and it's concerning because we're drinking TFA." TFA, which can impact fertility and fetal development, is increasingly found in drinking water, rain, and human blood, raising health concerns.

Efforts to address the TFA contamination are ongoing, with countries such as Denmark and Germany setting limits for TFA in drinking water. Furthermore, the European Commission has proposed bans on certain pesticides known to break down into TFA, aiming to curb this significant environmental and health threat.

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