Danube: dangerous and long-lasting chemical found in water

A 2023 study revealed that so-called “forever chemicals” (or PFAS), which persist in nature for an exceptionally long time, can be found in the Danube and its tributaries.

On the occasion of World Water Day, Átlátszó analysed the findings of the international research that examined the rivers of Europe, including the Danube, for traces of PFAS.

What are PFAS and why are they dangerous?

As the French Le Monde explains in its report on the PFAS “contamination” of Europe, these chemical compounds first gained popularity in the 1940s due to their non-stick and water-resistant properties. A wide array of everyday items, such as paints, acne treatments, waterproof makeup, food wrappers, floss, prostheses, textiles and kitchen utensils are coated with these substances.

They are also used in industrial processes for their excellent sealing properties, as well as in the manufacturing of semiconductors and, somewhat ironically, medical equipment.

However, the very attribute that renders PFAS so useful is also their greatest peril: their robust carbon and fluoride chains can travel long distances intact, meaning that they can spread far from the original contamination site. Furthermore, sustained high emissions and slow degradation of the chemicals combined lead to a continual accumulation of PFAS in nature.

Indeed, investigative journalists from Le Monde found that

“From the beautiful Blue Danube to Lake Orestiada (Greece), from the Bilina River (Czech Republic) to the Guadalquivir Basin (Spain), PFAS are detected in water, air, and rain; otters and codfish; boiled eggs and teenagers. […] Biomonitoring studies show that these unwanted components permeate our blood.”

The effects of PFAS are yet to be fully researched, but Le Monde highlights the possibility of decreased fertility, reduced birth weight of children, increased risk of certain types of cancer, elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure, among others.

PFAS found in the Danube River – what is the future of regulations?

Exposure to PFAS is a significant issue not only in Hungary but also throughout Europe and globally.

PFAS come in various forms – two of its variants (PFOA and PFOS) have actually been banned in the past after it was proven that they are harmful to human health. However, shortly after, another compound was created (called ADONA) to replace the outlawed substances.

Water sports at Római Part (Roman Beach)
Source: Országalbum / SIMI

There are already some restrictions on the amount of PFAS allowed to be detected in foodstuffs and water in the EU. Various proposals, led by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, are also underway to further limit the use of PFAS in the future.

Experts speaking to Átlátszó said that while replacing the chemicals entirely would be challenging due to their usefulness in the production of everyday materials, restricting their use to specific areas should be seriously considered for the future health of the population.

Read also:

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National interest to protect water resources, Orbán cabinet says

Source: Átlátszó