Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA): A PFAS Under Scrutiny?
Trifluoroacetic Acid: Physicochemical Risks
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a chemical compound classified as a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance) according to the OECD definition. However, it is not included in the European Drinking Water Directive, sparking political and scientific debates.
This article explores the presence of TFA in water and food, its toxicity, and the available analytical methods for its detection.
TFA: A Controversial PFAS
Although TFA is considered a PFAS under the OECD classification, it is not among the 20 PFAS regulated by the European Drinking Water Directive. The lack of specific regulation fuels discussions on its potential impact. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also identified TFA as a metabolite of several pesticides, including tritosulfuron, flufenacet, flurtamone, flutolanil, saflufenacil, and others.
Presence of Trifluoroacetic Acid in Water and Food
TFA In Drinking Water
Several studies conducted in 2024 have detected TFA in drinking water across multiple European countries. Below are some reported findings:
| Institution/Investigator | Sampling Location | Publication Date | TFA Concentration in Drinking Water (µg/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Société Wallonne | Belgium | October 2024 | 0.05 – 3.1 |
| RTS | Switzerland | September 2024 | Average of 0.77 |
| PAN Europe Members | 11 EU Countries | July 2024 | Average of 0.74 |
| Luxembourg Government | Luxembourg | July 2024 | Maximum of 0.9 |
| Bund | Germany & Belgium | May 2024 | 0.05 – 1.1 |
| Générations Futures | France | February 2024 | 19 |
The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) has established reference values for drinking water concerning certain PFAS listed in the European Drinking Water Directive. However, no reference value has been set for TFA. Anses has also launched a research campaign from 2023 to 2026 to investigate 34 PFAS, including TFA, across hundreds of water samples.
TFA In Food
The European Reference Laboratory for Residues of Pesticides (EURL-SRM) has set the reporting limit for TFA in fruits and vegetables at 0.04 mg/kg. A study analyzing 1,681 samples from 55 countries found that 15% of tested products exceeded this threshold.
Toxicity and Indicative Thresholds
Chronic and Acute Toxicity
According to EFSA (2024), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for TFA is set at 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as sodium trifluoroacetate (a TFA salt). The same review concluded that an acute reference dose (ARfD) was not necessary.
Indicative Values in Drinking Water
| Institution | Indicative Value (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| RIVM (Netherlands) | 2.2 |
| Luxembourg Directorate of Health | 12 |
| UBA (Germany) | 10 |
How to Detect and Analyze TFA?
Analyzing TFA in drinking water and food requires advanced analytical techniques. Mérieux NutriSciences provides tailored analytical solutions to detect and quantify PFAS, including TFA, in water, food, and packaging. Our expertise ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and guarantees consumer safety.
