We continue our crucial series of online events, this time featuring esteemed environmental scientist Dr. Hans Peter Arp. The upcoming session will tackle the significant environmental challenge posed by Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
The online event, titled “TFA: a planetary boundary threat,” is scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, at 2 pm CET. It aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific understanding of PFAS, specifically TFA, and its intricate connection to the heating and cooling industry.
“As the discussion around PFAS intensifies, it’s vital that industry stakeholders and policymakers have access to the latest scientific insights, particularly concerning persistent substances like TFA,” said Cinzia Verzeletti, a spokesperson for the Coalition for PFAS Free Cooling & Heating. “We urge everyone involved to engage with this expert perspective.”
Understanding the Scale of TFA Accumulation
Dr. Arp’s presentation will put in the spotlight the growing issue of TFA, a highly persistent and mobile substance found in increasing concentrations across diverse environmental media – including rain, soils, human serum, plants, and drinking water. Notably, current TFA levels are orders of magnitude higher than other PFAS compounds.
This widespread accumulation stems from TFA being a common transformation product of numerous PFAS, critically including several fluorinated gases (F-gases) prevalent in the HVAC&R sector, alongside pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Direct industrial release also contributes.
“Due to TFA’s extreme persistence and ongoing emissions, concentrations are increasing irreversibly,” highlights the research underpinning Dr. Arp’s work. The session will delve into the potential toxicity indicated by mammalian studies (reproductive and liver toxicity) and its bioaccumulation, particularly in terrestrial plants.
A Planetary Boundary Threat?
Collectively, these trends suggest TFA meets the criteria for a planetary boundary threat – a substance whose increasing planetary-scale exposure could lead to irreversible disruption of vital Earth system processes. Dr. Arp will explore the implications of this classification and the urgent need for action.
“The rational response is to instigate binding actions to reduce the emissions of TFA and its many precursors,” underscores the scientific consensus Dr. Arp will present.
The event will be moderated by Marc Chasserot, Co-Founder and CEO of ATMOsphere. “Ensuring policymakers have robust, accurate data on specific PFAS like TFA, and importantly, on the readily available sustainable alternatives, is crucial as they evaluate necessary restrictions,” stated Chasserot.
Advocating for Sustainable Solutions – Who we are
Founded in October 2024, the Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating actively promotes natural refrigerants as viable, sustainable alternatives to harmful PFAS within the HVAC&R industry and advocates for ambitious European regulations.
“We recognize the urgent need to address the environmental and health impacts of fluorinated gases,” Verzeletti affirmed.
The coalition, comprising industry leaders like ATMOsphere, Dorin, Fenagy, Güntner, Konvekta, Refra, Secon, Teko, Vahterus, and Zudek, is committed to enhancing the sector’s sustainability.
“Moving towards a PFAS-free future with natural refrigerants and other innovative EU-developed technologies benefits businesses, consumers, and the planet, while boosting European competitiveness and green job creation,” Verzeletti concluded.
Join this essential online event on April 24th at 2 pm CET to gain critical insights into TFA and its impact on the future of heating and cooling.
Register here: https://forms.gle/sT3LepaueQy4MtGt8
