Researchers have detected unusually high levels of TFA, a toxic and persistent PFAS chemical, in air and rain samples across Detroit, raising new concerns about its environmental and health impacts.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- TFA, a compound used in refrigeration and air conditioning, is accumulating at higher levels than other well-known PFAS chemicals.
- TFA’s environmental persistence and toxicity raise concerns, especially as traditional water filtration cannot remove it.
- Industries are pushing to exclude TFA from PFAS regulations to avoid stricter oversight.
Key quote:
“It is an unregulated area that is getting a lot more attention and these industries are trying to figure out how to avoid that.”
— Erica Bloom, lead author on the paper with the Ecology Center in Michigan
Why this matters:
TFA’s persistence and toxicity pose long-term risks to health and the environment, complicating efforts to regulate PFAS chemicals. Ignoring these concerns could undermine public safety and environmental protections.
Related: Increasing levels of TFA in global waters spark concern
