These groups argue that the current French standards are inadequate and lack sufficient toxicological data, pushing for the implementation of the precautionary principle.

A bill aimed at restricting the manufacture and sale of PFAS was passed in its first reading in spring 2024 and is scheduled for another parliamentary vote in February 2025.

Toxicologist Pauline Cervan highlighted that both bottled water and conventional filters are ineffective against PFAS contamination, leaving consumers with no viable solutions.

While the concentrations of PFAS other than TFA generally comply with France's limit of 100 nanograms per liter, these standards are criticized as being less stringent compared to those in the United States and Denmark.

TFA's classification as a 'short-chain PFAS' complicates its removal from water, as it is small and mobile, making it poorly retained by current water treatment methods.

A recent study revealed that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent pollutant difficult to eliminate, was detected in the tap water of 24 out of 30 municipalities in France.

The study found that 20 of the tested cities surpassed the European Union's upcoming limit of 100 nanograms per liter for regulated PFAS, which will be enforced by 2026.

The elevated TFA levels in Moussac may be linked to a Solvay factory that produced TFA for pesticide use until September 2024.

Among the municipalities tested, Moussac recorded the highest TFA concentration at 13,000 nanograms per liter, followed by Paris with 6,200 nanograms per liter and Bruxerolles with 2,600 nanograms per liter.

The study also noted that TFA is rarely tested in drinking water by regional health agencies in France, raising concerns about its oversight in water contamination checks.

Long-term exposure to TFA may pose health risks, including potential fertility issues and links to certain cancers, although it is considered less hazardous than PFOA and PFOS, which are banned in Europe.

Organizations such as UFC-Que Choisir and Générations Futures are advocating for stricter safety standards to enhance public health protection.