CFC Replacements Cause Global "Forever Chemical" Surge

By Sarah Lazow

Chemicals developed to replace ozone-depleting CFCs are now causing a massive global surge in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent "forever chemical" accumulating across the planet. With over 335,000 tonnes deposited since 2000 and levels still rising, experts are urgently calling for a phase-out of these TFA-generating substances to prevent further environmental damage.

CFC Replacements Cause Global "Forever Chemical" Surge

A new study reveals that chemicals replacing ozone-damaging CFCs are causing a global surge in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent "forever chemical".
Researchers estimate approximately 335,500 tonnes of TFA were deposited worldwide from 2000 to 2022, with pollution levels still rising due to long-lived precursors.
This persistent pollutant is accumulating in water, land, and ice, including remote Arctic regions where nearly all TFA originates from these replacement chemicals.
While some regulatory bodies note current TFA levels are below immediate harm thresholds, the European Chemicals Agency considers it harmful to aquatic life.
Experts warn that annual TFA production from these sources could peak between 2025 and 2100, necessitating urgent action to phase out TFA-generating substances.