A new study has analysed urine samples in Germany for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for the first time, this PFAS chemical was detected in all samples.

The 150 participants were aged between 20 and 69 and are part of the German National Cohort (NAKO Gesundheitsstudie), the largest long-term study on research into widespread diseases in Germany.

Older participants had higher TFA levels than younger ones. The researchers also found that TFA exposure in the participants had increased over time, rising by an average of 1.6-fold over a period of about five years.

The problem with TFA

TFA is one of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of over 10,000 chemicals used in many everyday products and industrial applications due to their water- and grease-repellent properties.

PFAS are very persistent and take generations to break down in the environment – that is why they are also referred to as the ‘forever chemicals’. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked with adverse health impacts, including certain cancers, reduced fertility, and the disruption of the immune system.

TFA can also negatively impact our health. In June 2026, experts from the European Chemicals Agency recommended that TFA be classified, amongst other things, as toxic to reproduction.

TFA is a short-chain PFAS and therefore highly mobile, meaning it spreads very easily. In recent years, studies in many countries have revealed just how widespread TFA already is. It has, for instance, been detected in baby food, lentils, juices, various cereal products, wine and drinking water. It has also been found in human blood samples.

First detection of TFMS

In addition to TFA, the new study detected another short-chain PFAS in urine for the first time, namely trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS). It was found in 73 % of the samples.

TFMS is used in lithium-ion batteries, amongst other uses. So far, relatively little is known about this chemical. There is initial toxicological data suggesting that this substance could have adverse effects on health, for example on liver function and gut flora.

Necessary next steps

Further research into exposure to TFA and other short-chain PFAS such as TFMS is needed to better protect people and the environment.

The EU is currently considering a universal ban on PFAS that would restrict PFAS as a group rather than one by one. CHEM Trust supports this approach, as regulating PFAS individually is ineffective and only a comprehensive, group-based restriction that includes all consumer and industrial uses can solve the PFAS pollution crisis. Read our blog on the universal PFAS ban here.

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