A new peer-reviewed study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics simulated rainwater concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) from the degradation of projected HFO-1234yf usage in India, China, and the Middle East through 2040. Here are the points you need to know:

1. The study affirms that TFA from HFO-1234yf refrigerants has a negligible effect on human and ecosystem health. This is consistent with findings of previous studies focused on the U.S., Europe, and China.
2. Even in scenarios envisioning the largest emissions of HFO-1234yf through 2040, TFA rainwater concentrations remain orders of magnitude below the no observable effect concentrations (NOECs) in ecological and mammalian toxicology studies.
3. The study completes our knowledge on the human and ecological impact of TFA from HFO-1234yf for the most populated and high economic growth regions in the world.

What this means for the HVACR industry: The study is consequential because it is an important addition to the growing body of atmospheric research that strongly indicates that the risks of TFA from HFO-1234yf are insignificant. Advanced Climate Technologies—including low-GWP HFCs, HFOs, and blends—are safe and reliable solutions for the long term.

For more information, I encourage you to read the full study here.