European wine is not immune to what is known as “Forever Chemicals”, that is to say according to a study published Wednesday by Pan Europe (Pesticide Action Network Europe).
The NGO document highlights an increase in the TFA molecule, a PFAS residue, in European bottles purchased in supermarkets.
The PFAs, abbreviated for per- and polyfluoroalkyle substances, are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals. They are called “chemicals forever” because they do not decompose naturally into the environment.
The investigationMade in 10 EU wine producing countries, reveals levels which are sometimes 100 times higher than those found in drinking water, according to the NGO, which warns against pollution of several sources.
“It is therefore all these fluoridated gases that we find again in our cooling systems which are very present and which are in fact issued in the atmosphere,” said Salomé Roynel, responsible for politicians for Pan Europe.
“Regarding Contamination of groundwater is worried, we know that the main source is PFAS pesticides, because these substances are sprayed directly on the ground, contaminate crops and find themselves in groundwater, “she added.
A turning point in 1988
Thanks to the study of wine, it was possible to conduct a chronological study and look back over time. The NGO stresses that there was no trace of TFA in the wine before 1988. But after this date, the increase became progressive and began to accelerate from 2010.
According to Pan Europe, this switch at the end of the 1980s can be linked to the signing of the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to protect the ozone layer by removing chemicals.
“It is the Montreal protocol that led to the use of fluorinated gas that emit TFA, and it was also the period when PFAS pesticides were developed,” said Rynel.
“We can really see a clear coincidence between the growth of TFA pollution or the contamination of wines and the growth in the use of fluorinated gas and PFAS pesticides.”
Toxicity for rabbit fetuses
Pan Europe also explains that he found traces of TFA in organic wines. The NGO therefore calls for a precautionary approach, because this molecule is “a substance which has remained outside the radar for a very long time. There are very few studies on its toxicity”, admitted royal.
“However, recent studies by industry have shown harmful effects on rabbit fetuses, suggesting reproductive toxicity and therefore effects on fetal development,” she continued.
Rynel recognized that it was possible to get rid of TFA molecules. However, the technology is expensive, with a high energy intensity and requires water. This raises the question of the subsequent use of this treated and contaminated water.
Pan Europe uses this report to use the EU member states. The 27 should meet next month to negotiate the possibility of banning a PFAS pesticide.
