Nature: The content of trifluoroacetic acid is recorded in precipitation all over the world
Scientists are detecting increasingly high concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in precipitation, from rain and snow to melt water in the Arctic. This synthetic component, which belongs to the group of “eternal chemicals,” enters the environment through industrial production, refrigerant leaks, the breakdown of certain pesticides, and even the use of anesthetics. This is reported in Nature.
In recent decades, the TFA content in German tree leaves has increased 5-10 times, and it is found in Arctic ice cores, Danish groundwater, and European rivers. Acid is not destroyed by natural processes, which means it accumulates in soil, water and living organisms. Traces of it have already been found in human blood and urine, in food and beverages.
While experts are arguing about the degree of danger of TFA, animal experiments show that in order to cause direct harm, doses hundreds of thousands of times higher than those measured in water and food are needed. However, new research points to potential impacts on reproductive health and ecosystems. In Europe, the possibility of classifying TFA as a toxic substance and limiting its use is already being discussed, and some countries have begun to ban pesticides that produce this by-product.
Scientists warn that even if TFA turns out to be relatively safe for humans, its steady accumulation in nature can lead to long-term environmental consequences.
Earlier, researchers found out that substances from sun protection products can also interfere with natural processes. The component ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, widely used in sun creams, slows down the destruction of plastic in seawater and changes the microbial community on its surface.
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