Two Studies Confirm that HFO-1234ze(E) Breaks Down into Some HFC-23 in the Atmosphere
Two recent studies have confirmed that HFO-1234ze(E), a commonly used ultra-low-GWP replacement for HFCs, breaks down in the atmosphere to produce a small amount of HFC-23, which has one of the greatest global warming impacts. The two studies are “Fluoroform (CHF3) Production from CF3CHO Photolysis and Implications for the Decomposition of Hydrofluoroolefins and Hydrochlorofluoroolefins in […]
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PFAS a growing concern for the HVAC&R industry
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 […]
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Maine to Ban Sale of PFAS Refrigerants and PFAS-Containing HVAC&R Equipment in 2040
Unlike the U.S. EPA, Maine defines PFAS to include some fluorinated refrigerants, including TFA-producing HFO-1234yf. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not consider f-gases or their degradation product trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to be part of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or forever chemicals, a category of environmental pollutants. However, the state of Maine takes […]
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University of Illinois Researchers Develop Economical Way to Remove TFA from Water
Researchers from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have developed an electrochemical process designed to economically remove up to 86% of ultrashort-chain PFAS trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an f-gas byproduct, as well as long-chain PFAS from water intended for human consumption. A study describing the process – “Integrating redox-electrodialysis and electrosorption for the removal of ultrashort- to long-chain […]
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New Study Calls F-Gas Byproduct TFA a ‘Planetary Boundary Threat’
Produced in the atmosphere from HFO-1234yf and other f-gases, trifluoroacetic acid is an omnipresent PFAS with potentially irreversible disruptive effects, the study says. A new study makes the case that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an atmospheric byproduct of HFO1234yf and other f-gases, meets the criteria of a “planetary boundary threat” because of increasing planetary-scale exposure, where […]
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‘Everywhere in Wallonia, Tap Water Is Safe to Drink’
This reassurance comes as the Belgian region finds TFA in drinking water in 598 out of 642 distribution zones, including 13 in which the 2.2mcg/L guidance value was exceeded.
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Researchers Find Growing Levels of TFA in Danish Groundwater Over 60 Years
The study looked at concentrations of TFA – linked to f-gas degradation – in 113 Danish groundwater-monitoring wells.
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Swedish Researchers Find Elevated Levels of TFA in Juices and Kids’ Purées
Health impacts are uncertain, but data suggest children’s intake of orange juice and some purées could result in ‘significant exposure’ to TFA.
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Canada Seeks Feedback on PFAS, Including F-Gases
The deadline for comments on the ‘Revised Risk Management Scope’ is September 11.
Read More TFA Most Widely Detected PFAS in Michigan Rainwater Study
An atmospheric byproduct of HFO-1234yf, TFA was found in rainwater samples in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Detroit collected by NGOs.
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