Concerns rise over PFAS contamination in European mineral waters

A recent investigation by PAN Europe has unveiled alarming levels of contamination in European mineral waters, highlighting the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, and other chemicals. The study, part of a larger drinking water testing campaign conducted in the summer of 2024, focused on various mineral water brands across several European countries, specifically targeting trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).  

The investigation included samples from two brands from France, four from Belgium, one each from the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Hungary, as well as the five top-selling brands from Austria. These samples were collected and analyzed by various PAN Europe member organizations, including Générations Futures, Mouvement Ecologique, and GLOBAL 2000, at the Water Technology Centre in Karlsruhe.  

The study employed high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS) to detect TFA, with a quantification limit set at 50 nanograms per liter (ng/l). While some samples indicated trace levels of contamination ranging from 20 to 30 ng/l, these results fell below the laboratory's quantification threshold, raising concerns about potential false positives. Although these trace levels were not published, companies whose products were affected were notified.  

The decision to release findings about mineral water contamination was initially postponed to allow for further analysis and discussions with the implicated companies. However, subsequent tests confirmed the initial results, prompting PAN Europe to engage in conversations with the affected brands and industry associations. The organization acknowledged that many companies may lack the capacity to prevent TFA contamination in their water sources.  

Despite industry pushback, PAN Europe emphasized the importance of transparency regarding potential health risks associated with contaminated products. The organization argued that consumers have a right to know what substances may be present in their drinking water, even if existing research does not definitively link these contaminants to specific health issues.  

The investigation also addressed a broader concern regarding the lack of transparency surrounding TFA contamination, which has been described as a significant global issue. PAN Europe posits that raising public awareness is crucial for implementing urgent bans on PFAS and related substances.

As discussions continue, the need for transparency and informed public discourse around water safety remains paramount. The organization calls for collective efforts to break the silence on TFA contamination and promote a clearer understanding of its implications for public health and the environment.    

Source:  

PAN Europe