Experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have reduced the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to 0.014 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day from the previous value of 0.05. The new ADI is about 3.5 times lower than the previous one. They also established a new acute reference dose of 0.07 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
These updated values are based on new scientific evidence that has shown, among other things, that TFA alters the levels of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the human body.
TFA is a chemical that is formed from several sources, including the decomposition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which include some active substances found in pesticides.
EFSA experts have also identified some areas that require further research, including the potential of TFA in terms of long-term toxicity, carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity during development. An additional uncertainty factor has been introduced in the calculation of the ADI to take these areas of uncertainty into account.
The study conducted by EFSA is part of the EU’s commitment to assess and manage PFAS substances, in collaboration with other bodies such as ECHA.
EFSA, together with ECHA, is currently analysing how PFAS-based pesticides decompose into TFA, their fate and their behaviour in soil and water. The study is expected to be completed by next summer.
