A recent study by PAN Europe has revealed troubling news about European wines, finding traces of PFAS, commonly known as ‘forever chemicals,’ in bottles purchased from supermarkets across the continent. These chemicals, which are synthetic and do not break down in the environment, have been detected in significant amounts in wines from ten European Union wine-producing countries. The study found concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a common PFAS residue, in some bottles at levels 100 times higher than safe drinking water limits.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial and household products. These include non-stick cookware, cooling systems, and fire retardants. Because they do not decompose naturally, PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Study Findings: Traces of TFA in Wines
The PAN Europe study focused on wines from ten countries, and its findings are concerning. Traces of TFA, a byproduct of PFAS, were found in the wine samples, with some bottles showing concentrations up to 100 times higher than safe drinking water limits. This suggests that the contamination is widespread across European wine regions.
According to Salomé Roynel, policy officer at PAN Europe, multiple sources of pollution contribute to this issue. Fluorinated gases, commonly used in cooling systems, are widely released into the atmosphere. Over time, these gases break down into TFA, which then settles in the environment, contaminating water supplies and agriculture.
PFAS Pesticides and Groundwater Contamination
Roynel also pointed to the growing use of PFAS-based pesticides as a significant contributor to this contamination. These chemicals are sprayed on crops and seep into the soil, eventually contaminating groundwater sources. “The contamination of our environment by these chemicals is alarming,” said Roynel, emphasizing the long-term dangers posed by PFAS, especially to drinking water and agriculture.
The Rise of TFA: A Historical Perspective
Researchers used the study to trace the timeline of TFA contamination, finding that it did not appear in wines before 1988. After that year, the levels of TFA in wine began to rise, a trend that accelerated around 2010. This period coincides with the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to reduce ozone-depleting substances but inadvertently led to the rise of fluorinated gases, a major source of TFA.
At the same time, the use of PFAS-based pesticides grew significantly. This overlap highlights the direct link between chemical policies, industrial development, and environmental pollution. The increase in TFA contamination mirrors the growth in the use of these harmful substances.
Health Concerns and Calls for Action
The findings have raised significant health concerns. While TFA has received little scientific attention, initial research indicates potential risks, including reproductive toxicity. Recent studies suggest that TFA may affect fetal development, with tests on rabbits showing harmful effects on unborn offspring. PAN Europe has called for more research to determine the full extent of these health risks.
The study also found that TFA was present in organic wines, further highlighting the widespread nature of the contamination. This has led PAN Europe to call for a precautionary approach, urging governments to take immediate action to reduce PFAS exposure across Europe.
Urgent Action Needed
PAN Europe is pushing for an EU-wide ban on PFAS-based pesticides and other chemicals that contribute to this contamination. The NGO is advocating for stronger environmental regulations to ensure public health is not compromised. The 27 EU member states are set to meet next month to discuss potential bans on PFAS-based pesticides, and PAN Europe hopes this will spur decisive action.
“Health and environmental safety must take precedence over chemical convenience,” Roynel stated. The report’s findings are expected to influence discussions at the EU summit, where policy decisions will be made to address the growing PFAS problem.
