Researchers have issued a warning about a new type of acid that is falling everywhere and contains an acid that is nearly impossible to remove. This rain poses a potential threat to all life on Earth.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent “forever chemical.” It is now present in every rainfall and snowfall, with concentrations significantly higher than they were decades ago.
Scientists are still uncertain about how TFA affects human health and the environment. However, some researchers have already stated that this chemical could be dangerous for the planet and its inhabitants.
What Do We Know About This?
“New evidence is emerging that TFA may disrupt vital processes in the Earth’s system, such as mammalian embryo development and soil respiration,” said Professor Peter Arp from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in an interview with Science Focus.
In his latest research, Professor Arp classifies TFA as a planetary threat akin to or ozone layer depletion.
“We do not know the long-term consequences of this. But if they occur, their scale will be global, as trans fatty acids accumulate worldwide. Once that happens, it will be too late to do anything, as TFA does not break down naturally. Any technology for removing TFA is extremely expensive and can only be used in small quantities,” the scientist noted.
He asserts that immediate action is necessary to prevent the rapid accumulation of TFA before it is recognized as a serious threat.
“In the heating and cooling sector, this means phasing out gases that lead to TFA formation. Another step is to eliminate pesticides and pharmaceuticals that produce TFA when they break down,” explained Professor Arp.
Some countries have already taken appropriate measures. Denmark is leading the way, having banned 23 pesticides in July 2025 due to their link to trans fatty acid pollution.
TFA Levels Rising in Humans and Animals
As mentioned earlier, TFA belongs to the category of “forever chemicals”—a group of compounds that are extremely difficult to eliminate. They are more commonly known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Of all the forever chemicals, TFA is one of the smallest. It can enter the environment through refrigerants, aerosols, pesticides, air conditioners, landfills, and sewage systems.
Due to its small size, TFA easily dissolves in water. This is why it has become one of the most prevalent chemicals, with levels rapidly rising in rainwater, as well as in rivers, lakes, groundwater, oceans, plant leaves, food products, and even in human blood and urine.
Professor Arp shared that he became interested in this chemical after it was found in so-called “clean water resources.” This is concerning, as it is believed that TFA cannot be removed from drinking water.
According to the scientist, TFA levels are increasing of humans and animals. It “can penetrate cells and become building blocks in lipids, proteins, and cell walls,” noted Professor Arp.
Currently, he and his colleagues are working on methods to remove TFA from the environment. One approach involves planting crops that absorb the acid, followed by incinerating them at extremely high temperatures.
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