The Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating recently hosted a critical online event, “PFAS: A Growing Concern in the HVAC&R Industry,” featuring renowned industry expert Professor Michael Kauffeld. The event focused on the escalating concerns surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) within the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) sector.
This session, held on February 14th, marked the first action by the Coalition, leading up to the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socioeconomic Analysis Committee (SEAC) plenary sessions in March. These sessions are expected to address proposed restrictions on PFAS in fluorinated gas (F-gas) applications.
“This online event came at a crucial time,” stated Cinzia Verzeletti, spokesperson for the Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating. “By showcasing the readily available PFAS-free alternatives in the HVAC&R sector, the coalition aimed to provide the RAC and SEAC members with the necessary information to make informed decisions. This data is essential for crafting effective policies that prioritize both environmental safety and industry sustainability.”
Key Takeaways from Professor Kauffeld’s Presentation:
Professor Kauffeld’s presentation provided critical insights into PFAS components in HVAC&R systems. His 2024 analysis of a commercial heat pump using R410A revealed that, excluding the refrigerant, PFAS components constituted less than 1% of the unit’s weight. Given that R410A contains R125 (a PFAS), this demonstrates that phasing out F-gas refrigerants can achieve up to a 99% reduction in PFAS in HVAC&R products.
Professor Kauffeld, recognized as ATMOsphere’s “Person of the Year/Europe” at ATMO Europe 2024, also highlighted the availability of PFAS-free HVAC&R components, which is a growing sector.
Furthermore, he addressed the growing body of research on TFA concentrations in European groundwater, linking it to HFOs. The atmospheric degradation of certain F-gases, such as HFO-1234yf, results in 100% conversion to TFA, which then enters the water cycle. Recent studies have classified TFA as a “planetary boundary threat” due to its adverse impacts on human and environmental health.
“The natural refrigerants industry is mature and ready to secure European leadership and decouple the sector from dependency on harmful, imported PFAS F-gases,” Verzeletti asserted. “This comprehensive understanding is vital for informed decision-making and effective policy recommendations regarding the PFAS restriction proposal for F-gas applications.”
The coalition urges all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of this issue and join the movement toward a PFAS-free refrigerants future for the HVAC&R industry.
