Ultrashort-Chain PFAS: The global threat of trifluoroacetic acid

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is one of the ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acids, a subset of the larger family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). TFA is a degradation product of many refrigerants and is also directly released from industrial products and processes; it is now widespread as a contaminant in the environment. This raises serious concerns about global health and environmental impacts. In this EDC Strategies Partnership webinar, Dr. Hans Peter Arp will discuss a new study, The Global Threat from the Irreversible Accumulation of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA). A review of 43 studies reporting on TFA concentrations was conducted for the new study. Monitoring data was analyzed based on research spanning from the late 1990s to the 2020s. Collectively, these data indicate that TFA exposure is widespread and is increasing. The study authors note that shorter-chain PFAS have been assumed to be less hazardous than longer-chain PFAS, but that widespread exposures have not been taken into account in making this assessment. They note “TFA’s ubiquitous accumulation in the environment, in particular its observed accumulation in water resources and bioaccumulation in various plants, including crops.” They argue that TFA poses a planetary boundary threat, based on increasing exposure world-wide, irreversible environmental contamination, and “long-lasting disruptive effects on human health and vital earth system processes.” The authors call for binding actions to reduce emissions of TFA and its precursors.