Air and rain samples in Detroit show high levels of TFA ‘forever chemical’

Compound used in refrigeration and air conditioning accumulates at much higher levels that other chemicals

Rain and air samples collected in metro Detroit that researchers checked for toxic PFAS forever chemicals" showed the highest levels of TFA, an alarming finding because the compound is a potent greenhouse gas and more toxic than previously thought, but not well-studied.

While PFAS are a chemical class known to be ubiquitous in the environment, the new research is part of growing evidence around the globe that points to TFA, commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning and clean energy technology, accumulating at much higher levels than other well-studied compounds.