According to new studies, Maine (US) is facing an emerging environmental threat from trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a byproduct of hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigerants and aerosol products. Currently, neither Maine nor federal authorities are regulating or testing for TFA, despite its detection in water samples across Europe.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not classify TFA as a PFAS chemical due to its molecular structure, complicating efforts for states like Maine to impose regulations or testing. This has led to a fragmented approach to PFAS regulation, with some states recognizing TFA as a concern. Private labs in Maine are beginning to offer TFA testing, responding to public interest. TFA enters the environment primarily through leaks from cooling appliances and is linked to various products, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

The widespread presence of TFA poses challenges for consumers, particularly as they seek safe heating and cooling options. While the EPA plans to phase out hydrofluorocarbons starting in 2025, many current appliances still utilize these chemicals, leaving consumers with limited alternatives.

A recent exploratory survey of rivers, lakes, and groundwater conducted by members of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) refers to alarming levels of contamination in their samples. TFA was detected in 34 of 36 European tap water samples tested from 11 European Union countries and in 12 of 19 bottled mineral and spring waters. It also reported that it found TFA in almost all of the 23 surface water and six groundwater samples it tested from 10 European Union countries.

In the previous years, EFSA performed a follow-up evaluation of pesticides ( saflufenacil, fluometuron...) intended use in crops with regard to the MRLs adopted by Codex Alimentarius Commission and the possible consumer health concerns regarding the metabolite trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). On the basis of the information available to EFSA and the available scientific knowledge at the time of assessments, a risk to consumers was not identified. The issue was classified as a EU-level emerging risk by EFSA Emerging Risk Exchange Network (EREN).