EU Chemical Agency Recommends Classifying 'Forever Chemical' TFA as Toxic to Human Reproduction
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended on June 10 that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a widely-used industrial chemical, be classified as toxic to human reproduction, citing risks to fertility and fetal development. TFA is a type of PFAS ('forever chemical') that persists in the environment and water resources for extremely long periods and is the most widespread PFAS contaminant in Europe. The recommendation will be sent to the European Commission, which will decide whether to propose restrictions on the chemical across the EU's 27 member states.
The European Chemicals Agency's risk assessment committee has recommended that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) be classified as toxic to reproduction, based on evidence that it may impair fertility and cause harm to unborn children. TFA is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)—commonly called 'forever chemicals'—that breaks down extremely slowly and causes long-lasting, widespread contamination of water resources. According to recent surveys, TFA was detected in 24 out of 30 water samples taken in 2025, particularly in Paris, and is identified as Europe's most widespread PFAS contaminant in water, food, and the environment. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups have warned about TFA's dangers since 2023, with the NGO Pesticide Action Network Europe characterizing it as a 'planetary' threat, particularly during vulnerable periods like pregnancy and early childhood. The ECHA's opinion now moves to the European Commission, which will determine whether to propose formal restrictions on TFA use across the EU.
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- The Straits TimesCenter
EU agency says ‘forever chemical’ TFA toxic for human reproduction
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