‘Forever chemical’ TFA found in all but one of tested UK rivers
A chemical that worries scientists could have an impact on human reproduction has been found in rivers across the United Kingdom.
Researchers from the University of York analyzed the 32 rivers samples in the 4 nations of the United Kingdom and have found traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at 98% of tests of the tests.
The TFA is called a “chemical product forever”, which means that it decomposes extremely slowly in nature and thus accumulates over time.
As with other “chemicals forever”, also known as PFAS, to what extent a threat to human health and that concentrations are still sought.
But Germany scientists say they have examined the impact of TFA on animals, they want it to be classified as toxic to reproduction.
TFA is formed when synthetic chemicals from other “chemicals forever” such as those found in pesticides and refrigerants are partially decomposed.
“This molecule (TFA) is everywhere,” said the BBC, professor of environmental sciences at the University of York, Alistair Boxall, professor of environment at the University of York. “We are all going to drink water containing TFA every day – so we will be exposed throughout our lives. It is this long -term exposure and low level that is the great concern.”
This new study was funded by the environmental charitable organization Fidra and involved sampling in 5 rivers in Wales, 3 in Northern Ireland in Scotland and 10 in northern England. The highest concentration was recorded on the Kelvin river in Glasgow.
The Ness river, which flows from Loch Ness to Moray Firth, was the only sampled river not to show traces of TFA.
Recent studies in the EU have revealed that TFA was widespread, especially in wine and food, human blood and breast milk.
Authorities in Germany have sought to increase TFA levels in drinking water. Over the past two decades, its concentrations have quadrupled and the researchers have tried to establish what impact – if necessary – it could have on human health.
Citing scientific studies which have shown that the TFA affecting rabbit and rats fetus, the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) applied to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) so that the TFA is classified as toxic to reproduction and harmful to the environment. This could possibly lead to recommendations in the EU on how products containing TFA must be checked.
“Currently, there is no side effect on the planned health of water consumption or food contaminated by the TFA,” said Andreas Hensel, president of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR). “The new classification is an important step in preparing additional measures to ensure that this remains the case in the future.”
There is currently no rule or settlement in place to identify or reduce TFA concentrations in the environment or in the supply of drinking water to the United Kingdom.
But aware of the concerns, the inspection of drinking water, which monitors and regulates the quality of drinking water in England and in Wales, has just put its own research into service. It will examine the amount of TFA already in drinking water and what risk – if necessary – it poses.
“The information reported by the University of York suggests that the TFA can be formed from the degradation of pesticides containing the PFAS,” a spokesperson for the drinking water inspection. “It is important that the fate of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment is included, in order to protect drinking water sources.”
A spokesperson for Water UK, who represents water companies in the United Kingdom, told the BBC: “We want to see the PFA, including TFA, the ban and development of a national plan to withdraw it from the environment that should be paid by manufacturers.”
