PFAS pesticides: Threatening health and the environment скачать в хорошем качестве

PFAS pesticides: Threatening health and the environment

Since EU regulators first identified its groundwater contamination potential in 1998, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has become one of Europe’s most widespread yet overlooked contaminants. It is now found in nearly all tested water bodies, soils, and food, and is highly persistent. TFA cannot be removed by conventional water treatment, causing ongoing environmental accumulation. Scientists warn that global build-up may threaten planetary boundaries. After F-gases, PFAS pesticides are the second major source of TFA, with emissions entering soil and groundwater. In 2020, a developmental toxicity study, which industry was legally required to conduct, revealed adverse effects on foetal development, prompting Germany to propose classifying TFA as presumed toxic for reproduction (Category 1B). The study also identified impacts on thyroid function, immune response, and sperm production. The European Commission has tasked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with reviewing the evidence and setting new health thresholds for TFA by July 2026. NGOs caution that these values will be critical to ensure adequate protection of EU citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, from this toxic, persistent and widespread pollutant. Meanwhile, several Member States, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have begun reviewing the authorisation of PFAS pesticides, leading to partial bans in Denmark. Under EU law, all Member States and the European Commission are required to take action.