Do we really know what comes out of our taps? A “worrying” study was published this Thursday, January 23, by UFC-Que Choisir and “Générations Futures”. Supported by evidence, organizations warn of the “massive presence” of PFAS in tap water. A stunning observation:
“These substances, almost indestructible and toxic for some of them, were detected in 29 of the 30 samples analyzed by the associations, even in large cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux,” warn the two French associations.
PFAS (or perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated) are “extremely persistent” chemicals, as health agencies point out. There are several thousand types, released into the environment by various industries, textiles, food processing, etc.
Samples were taken in 30 municipalities. But not everyone faces results of the same severity. Thus, in the surroundings of Tours or Rouen, the authors of the study analyzed a “chemical cocktail” in the water with 10 and 11 types respectively of these eternal pollutants.
A regulatory issue?
However, from a strictly regulatory point of view, the observed rates are within the target. Thresholds that are too permissive in the eyes of Olivier Andrault, head of the UFC-Que Choisir food mission.
“Under the approach taken by France, from 2026 onwards, all these samples would be considered compliant. On the other hand, if we apply stricter standards, for example those used by Denmark, we would have 80% non-conformities at that time. compliance,” he tells BFMTV.
The Danes are the most strict in this matter. They tolerate a rate ten times lower than that of France. But other countries, such as the United States, have set more rigorous levels of non-compliance than France in this area, which nevertheless falls within the EU framework.
Uncertainties from a health point of view
PFAS contaminate all environments, whether it be water, air, or even our food. Their effects on our body are the subject of studies, emerging a consensus around the harmful nature of these elements.
“Scientific work on some known PFAS shows that they can have harmful effects on humans: increased cholesterol, cancer, effects on fertility and fetal development, on the liver, on the kidneys, etc. They are also suspected of interfering with the endocrine system (thyroid) and the immune system,” explains ANSES on a dedicated page.
In April 2024, the government presented an inter-ministerial plan with the particular goal of better understanding these pollutants, both in the way people are exposed and their effects on “human health and biodiversity.”
The Ministry of Health also made sure in 2024 to periodically carry out “exploration campaigns” on water quality and the presence of these undesirables, particularly the lesser known ones. “With regard to knowledge of the health risks linked to the presence of PFAS (…) various works are being carried out to provide updated response elements.”
Source: BFM TV
