TFA “Forever Chemical” Contamination on the Rise

• TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) is a PFAS chemical linked to negative health effects and not easily removed from the environment.
• Levels of TFA are rapidly increasing in drinking water, blood, and rain worldwide.
• Sources of TFA include F-gases (replacing ozone-depleting CFCs), pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
• TFA is accumulating in humans and the environment at an alarming rate.
• Regulations for TFA vary by country, with some setting limits in drinking water and others not.
• Removing TFA from water is expensive and difficult, highlighting the need to prevent further contamination.
• The F-gas industry claims TFA is naturally occurring, but scientists dispute this.
• Environmental groups urge action to reduce TFA emissions by phasing out F-gases and other sources.
• Alternative refrigerants that don’t produce TFA are recommended.

Read more at The Guardian website.