Article: « TFAs, a forever-chemical and omnipresent in our rivers, should we be concerned? »
Answer:
TFAs, or trifluoroacetic acids, are a type of pollutant that is persistent in the environment and has been found in rivers around the world. These chemicals are used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including stain repellents, fire-fighting foams, and refrigerants. Once released into the environment, TFAs do not break down and can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms.
Studies have shown that TFAs can have harmful effects on aquatic life, including disrupting the endocrine system and reproductive function in fish. However, the potential effects on human health are less clear. Some research suggests that exposure to TFAs may be associated with developmental delays and decreased fertility in humans, but more study is needed to confirm these findings.
Overall, while the effects of TFAs on human health are still being studied, the impact on the environment and aquatic life is a cause for concern. It is important to continue monitoring and studying the presence and effects of TFAs in the environment to better understand and address this emerging pollutant.