Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a chemical formed from the breakdown of refrigerant gases and fluorinated substances used in industry. Between 2000 and 2022, more than 335,500 tons have accumulated globally. TFA dissolves easily in water and is extremely difficult to remove, allowing it to spread through rainfall and even reach remote regions like the Arctic.
Concerningly, TFA has been detected in human blood, breast milk, and urine in several countries. Some experts warn it may pose risks to reproductive health over the long term. Although newer refrigerants are considered safer, they break down into TFA even faster, meaning environmental levels are likely to continue rising, making this a growing global concern.
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