Published evidence supports very low yields of TFA from most HFOs and HCFOs

Summary

EFCTC has analysed the most current, peer reviewed scientific papers on the potential contribution of HFOs and HCFOs, containing the CF3CH= moiety, to existing and future TFA levels. The conclusion from these papers is that the very low yields of TFA from these substances mean that their expected contribution to TFA in the environment is extremely small.

In addition, and taking into account a wider number of substances, the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, in its Summary Update 2020 for Policymakers [5], summarised these scientific conclusions for TFA: The current low concentration of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) produced by the degradation of several hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs), is currently judged not to pose a risk to human health or to the environment.

This EFCTC analysis is in response to the UBA report on Persistent degradation products of halogenated refrigerants.

In the EU the substances with the CF3CH= moiety reported as supplied on the EU market are HFO-1234ze, HFO-1336mzz and HCFO-1233zd.

Click here to read the EFCTC Position paper.

Source: European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC), August 2021