Carlos Solis
Researchers have warned about a new type of acid falling across the globe that contains a compound that’s nearly impossible to remove. This precipitation could pose a threat to life on Earth.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent “forever chemical.” It’s now turning up in every rainfall and snowfall, with concentrations far higher than they were decades ago.
Scientists don’t yet know how TFA affects human health and ecosystems. But several researchers warn the chemical could pose serious risks to the planet and its inhabitants.
What Do We Know About This?
“New evidence is emerging that TFA may disrupt vital Earth-system processes, such as mammalian embryo development and soil respiration,” said Professor Peter Arp of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in an interview with Science Focus.
In his latest research, Professor Arp classifies TFA as a planetary threat akin to ozone layer depletion.
“We do not know the long-term consequences. But if they occur, their scale will be global, as TFA accumulates worldwide. Once that happens, it will be too late to do anything, as TFA does not break down naturally. Any technology for removing TFA is extremely expensive and can only be used in small quantities,” he said.
He says immediate action is necessary to prevent the rapid accumulation of TFA before it becomes a recognized serious threat.
“In the heating and cooling sector, that means phasing out gases that lead to TFA formation. Another step is to eliminate pesticides and pharmaceuticals that produce TFA when they break down,” explained Professor Arp.
Some countries have already acted. Denmark is leading the way: in July 2025 it banned 23 pesticides because of their link to TFA pollution.
TFA Levels Rising in Humans and Animals
As mentioned earlier, TFA belongs to the category of “forever chemicals”—a group of compounds that are extremely difficult to eliminate. They are more commonly known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Of all the forever chemicals, TFA is one of the smallest. It can enter the environment through refrigerants, aerosols, pesticides, air conditioners, landfills, and sewage systems.
Because of its small size, TFA dissolves easily in water. That’s why it has become one of the most prevalent chemicals, with levels rapidly rising in rainwater as well as in rivers, lakes, groundwater, oceans, plant leaves, food products, and even in human blood and urine.
Professor Arp said he became interested in TFA after it was found in so-called clean water sources. That is concerning, because it is believed TFA cannot be removed from drinking water.
According to the scientist, TFA levels are increasing in humans and animals. “It can penetrate cells and become building blocks in lipids, proteins, and cell walls,” Professor Arp noted.
Currently, he and his colleagues are working on methods to remove TFA from the environment. One approach involves planting crops that absorb the acid, then incinerating those plants at extremely high temperatures.
Photo: pexels.com
