‘Forever chemical’ TFA found in all but one of tested UK rivers

A chemical that scientists worried about may have an impact on human growth in the rivers in the United Kingdom.

Researchers from York University analyzed examples from 32 rivers in all 4 countries of England and found traces of trifloasetic acid (TFA) in 98% of the test places.

TFA is known as “chemicals”, which means that it is extremely slowly destroyed in nature and thus accumulates over time.

As in other “Forever Chemicals”, also known as PFA, how much threats and concentrations are still investigated for human health.

However, scientists in Germany want to be classified as toxic for reproduction that they look at the effect of TFA on animals.

TFA occurs when synthetic chemicals from other “forever chemicals”, such as pesticides and cooler fluids, are partially disintegrated.

York University Professor of Environmental Science Alistair Boxall, who conducted the research, said to BBC, “This molecule (TFA) everywhere.” He said: “We will all be drinking water containing TFA every day – so we will be exposed throughout our lives. Long -term, low -level exposure, which is a great concern.”

This new study was financed by Charity Fidras and included sampling in 5 rivers in Wales, 3 of them in Northern Ireland in Scotland and 10 in the north of England. The highest concentration was recorded on the Kelvin River in Glasgow.

The Ness River, which flowed from Loch Ness to Moray Firth, was the only river that did not show TFA traces.

Recent studies in the EU found that TFA is common, including wine and food, human blood and breast milk.

Authorities in Germany are interested in increasing TFA levels in drinking water. In the last twenty years, their concentrations have increased four times and researchers can have an effect on human health.

By referring to scientific studies showing that TFA affects rabbit and rabbit fetuses, German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) European Chemicals Agency (ECHHA) TFA Toxic for reproduction and harmful to the environment. This can lead to suggestions on how to control products containing TFA in the EU.

“Currently, consuming contaminated foods with water or TFA, there is no expected negative health effects.” He said. “The new classification is an important step in preparing more measures to ensure that the situation in the future”.

There is currently no rule or regulation to define or reduce the concentrations of TFA concentrations in the surrounding or UK.

However, aware of the concerns, the British and Wales, followed and regulated drinking water quality, drinking water inspector assigned his own research. TFA’nın already in drinking water and how the risk – if you will pose.

“The information signed by the York University, TFA, shows that TFA may be caused by the deterioration of pesticides containing PFA.” He said. “In order to protect drinking water resources, it is important to understand the fate of pesticides and other chemicals in the surrounding area.”

Water UK spokesman, representing the British water companies, told BBC: “TFA, we want to see the development of a national plan to remove it from the environment that is banned and paid by manufacturers.”