CFC Replacements Spawn Global Forever Chemical, Study Warns
TL;DR Summary
A Geophysical Research Letters study shows that substitutes for ozone-depleting CFCs—such as HCFCs and HFCs used in refrigeration and industry—degrade into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent pollutant that accumulates worldwide through atmospheric transport, reaching remote areas like the Arctic and entering water bodies. The rising TFA levels raise risks for aquatic life and human health, prompting calls for broader monitoring and international regulation as the use of newer refrigerants continues to grow.
- Earth Is Being Covered in a ‘Forever Chemical’ That Won’t Break Down, Scientists Warn Indian Defence Review
- CFC replacements behind vast quantities of global 'forever chemical' pollution, research reveals Phys.org
- Saving the ozone layer has ‘polluted Earth with forever chemicals’ The Times
- Forever chemical TFA has tripled due to ozone-preserving refrigerants New Scientist
- The Planet Is Being Coated in a Chemical That Never Goes Away SciTechDaily
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