Traces of ultra-tier chain PFAS have been detected in nearly 75 % of spring and mineral waters from the Ardennes, high Fagnes or hilly hills of Eastern Flanders, it comes from an analysis of the Apache information site.
Apache submitted 15 bottled water samples to a specialized laboratory. Traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a type of PFAS, were found in 11 of the 15 bottles, or almost 75 % of samples.
Differently biodegradable and very mobile in water, TFA is a degradation product of certain chemicals, including refrigerants and PFAS.
The highest concentration in TFA was detected in “novel” table water, recognized as natural mineral water until 2006. A peak of 2,800 nanograms of TFA per liter was measured in “novel” water.
“TFA is very widespread and, as a producer, we take this evolution seriously,” reacts Thomas Lauwaert, spokesperson for Roman. “We also want to emphasize that it is the responsibility of the authorities to define clear standards and to legislate in this area. We closely follow these developments. »»
The Royal Federation of Belgian Water Industry and Refreshing Drinks (FIEB) wishes a restriction, even a ban, pesticides containing PFAS near the places of water capture, reports Apache. Private water producers require safety perimeters around drinking water sources, similar to protective areas for purified surface water (for taps).
“Mineral and source waters cannot be treated,” said Philip Buisseret, secretary general of the FIEB. The use of activated carbon filters or inverse osmosis (water purification process, editor’s note) is for example prohibited by law. However, tap water producers, but also drinking water, can purify polluted surface water thanks to various treatment techniques. We can therefore only act preventively. »»
