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Scientists find 'forever chemical' byproduct in mineral water across Europe

Scientists have discovered a concerning presence of a "forever chemical" byproduct, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), in mineral water across Europe. This compound, which does not degrade naturally in the environment, was found in concentrations up to 10,000 times higher than other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The study, published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology," analyzed 26 brands of bottled mineral water from 14 European countries, revealing that TFA was present in all samples. The levels of TFA were significantly higher than other PFAS, with some samples showing concentrations up to 3,200 ng/L. This widespread contamination raises concerns about the long-term environmental and health impacts, as TFA can accumulate in water bodies and potentially affect ecosystems and human health. The sources of TFA include refrigerants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, highlighting the need for further research into its origins and effects.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/environmental-science/scientists-find-forever-chemical-byproduct-in-mineral-water-across-europe/ar-AA1vLd66 ]