The possibility has been discussed for some time now contamination of European mineral waters by PFASpesticides and other chemicals. A Swiss investigation that we talked about had already detected the presence of these contaminants in some brands of mineral water. Even more well-known is the recent scandal that hit France, where several investigations into Nestlé mineral waters highlighted serious anomalies linked to contamination by PFAS (and more).
Now, new confirmation comes from a survey conducted by Pan Europe which signals an alarming picture regarding the presence of “eternal pollutants”, namely PFAS, in mineral water. Among these, it is particularly the TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), product of the degradation of pesticides and fluorinated gases, proving to be a significant contaminant.
Although mineral waters should guarantee purity, some sources have shown worrying levels of this compoundquestioning the real safety and quality of the products that reach consumers’ tables.
To conduct the test, between May and June 2024, samples of mineral waters were purchased from various European countries: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria and Germany. The water was sent to the Water Technology Center in Karlsruhe for analysis.
The tests analyzed the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), using a method with a limit of quantification of 50 ng/l.
The initial results were kept anonymous in order to better verify and dialogue with the companies involved. After confirming the results through repeated analyses, it was decided to publish the findings in a transparent manner.
The most contaminated mineral waters
The investigation conducted by Pan Europe on 19 mineral waters purchased in 7 European countries (in which Italy is not present) has brought to light TFA levels above regulatory limits in 7 samples.
The most contaminated waters were foundin alphabetical order:
Pan Europe writes:
In 7 out of 19 cases, TFA contamination exceeds the drinking water limit value for relevant pesticide metabolites, which is 0.1 µg/l (100 ng/l). In one case, the upper limit for total PFAS (“Total PFAS”) of 0.5 µg/l (500 ng/l) proposed in the EU Drinking Water Directive was also exceeded. This limit is expected to come into force in 2026, although it will not be implemented by all member states.
The most striking case is that ofVillers mineral watermarketed in Belgium, with a concentration of 3.4 µg/l of TFA at the first measurement (3.2 µg/l at the second), 34 times the maximum permitted limit of 0.1 µg/l. Next, with a certain detachment, is water Ordal (Belgium) with 0.47 µg/l and la French Vittel, a well-known brand of the Nestlé groupwith 0.4 µg/l.
However, Pan Europe experts specify that:
Each of the mineral waters analysed, even the one with the highest measured contamination of 3,200 ng/l, complies with most of the guide values for human health established by various EU authorities, even with a high daily consumption of 2 litres. , calculated for a 60 kg adult. Furthermore, mineral water is on average less contaminated with TFA than tap water.
In the table below you can see the results of all the mineral waters analyzed. The acronyms next to the name of the water brand refer to the country in which it is produced and marketed:
The blue bars instead indicate the results of the analyzes carried out in summer, while the blue bars show the confirmatory data obtained in autumn.
The mineral water paradox
Mineral water is legally defined as “originally pure,” as it comes from underground sources protected from external contamination. The problem is that TFA (as well as other Pfas) due to its high mobility and stability, manages to infiltrate even deep aquifers, considered safe from surface pollution.
The manufacturing companies, despite being responsible for the quality of the final product, have limited control over the protection of the sources, depending heavily on the regulations and interventions of the local authorities.
Although the concentrations detected are, in many cases, considered to comply with current health guideline values, the issue remains controversial. In fact, recent scientific studies indicate that exposure to even low levels of PFAS can accumulate over time and lead to health problems, even serious ones.
The presence of TFA and other PFAS in mineral waters calls for the urgency of updating the regulatory limits which should take into account new scientific evidence.
A problem that goes far beyond mineral water
Contamination by TFA and other PFAS is not limited to mineral waters: it is a global phenomenon that also affects rivers, agricultural land and, consequently, food.
As the Pan Europe experts write:
Today, TFA is found everywhere: in rainwater, rivers, soil, plants, food, tap water, and even human blood.
What to do to combat the problem? The European Union has set a new cumulative limit for PFAS in drinking water at 0.5 µg/l, which will come into force in 2026. However, not all member states are ready to implement it.
It is clear that a greater commitment is increasingly necessary not only on the part of the authorities, but also of the industries, to reduce the use of chemical compounds containing PFAS and invest in more advanced treatment technologies to ensure effective protection of aquifers and, more generally, the environment.
