Researchers find forever chemical common in drinking water, uncertain of potential health risk

A growing body of research has raised concerns about a forever chemical known as TFA, which is short for trifluoroacetic acid, and has been found in increasing amounts in rainwater, groundwater and drinking water (Source: “‘Everyone is drinking it’: Why this type of ‘forever chemical’ seems to be everywhere,” Washington Post, July 13).

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of compounds used in hundreds of household products. They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because of their extreme durability. They take years to break down in nature.

The chemical TFA has a composition that scientists say may make it especially hard to filter, although scientists lack consensus on whether it poses a human health risk. “The situation is that we have TFA in all the drinking water. You are drinking it right now. Everyone’s drinking it,” said David Behringer, an environmental consultant who works extensively with refrigerants and propellants in Germany.

PFAS in general have been linked to several kinds of cancer; infertility; high cholesterol; low birth weights; and negative effects on the liver, thyroid and immune system. By contrast, there is limited information about the impact of TFA on human health.

Earlier this year, HPIO released a policy brief titled “Connections between water quality and health” that focuses on the importance of clean water and the many effects that water pollution and deteriorating infrastructure can have on health throughout life, highlighting data and information for policymakers to improve Ohio’s water quality.