Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial applications and consumer products for their water and heat-resistant properties. Known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS do not break down naturally in the environment and have been linked to numerous health issues.
Synthetic refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances but pose environmental risks, such as the formation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). When refrigerants like HFCs, HCFCs, and HFOs leak into the atmosphere, UV radiation breaks them down, producing harmful byproducts like TFA.
With the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, reliance on HFCs and HFOs has grown, leading to more TFA formation and PFAS contamination from refrigerant leaks. The HVAC&R industry can help mitigate this by transitioning to natural refrigerants like CO2, ammonia, or hydrocarbons, reducing the release of harmful chemicals.
The new research titled “MESSAGE FROM THE BOTTLE: The Rapid Rise of TFA Contamination Across the EU,” published by members
A large and growing number of studies have reported the rapid proliferation in the environment of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a
Two recent studies have confirmed that HFO-1234ze(E), a commonly used ultra-low-GWP replacement for HFCs, breaks down in the atmosphere to
