TFA: key facts at a glance

What is TFA?

•    Chemical family: PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) and PFCA (perfluorinated carboxylic acids)
•    Research findings suggest that TFA degrades only very slowly, is highly soluble in water and thus widely dispersed, and is rapidly excreted by humans
•    Regulation: Currently no binding limits. TFA has long been considered to be of low toxicity. The EU has been reviewing its classification as a reproductive toxicant since 2025 – this would be a prerequisite for future risk-based limits.

Where does TFA come from?

A large proportion comes from the atmospheric decomposition of fluorinated compounds, from refrigerants, but also from industrial processes, certain pesticides, pharmaceuticals and degradation reactions in water treatment.

The question of the sources of TFA in groundwater should be discussed openly and on a scientific basis. It is important to consider all sources of emissions, to compare the contributions of different sectors and to assess the significance of the measured values in the environment in an objective and comprehensible manner.

Situation in Switzerland

•    The FOEN has detected TFA in groundwater – with higher peak values in some cases under arable land, but also in densely populated areas.
•    The 2023 cantonal chemist's report concludes:
"TFA is detected independently of potential influencing factors."
The substance has been found across all regions – whether in agricultural areas, near settlements, or in industrial regions. A clear link to the use of plant protection products could not be established.

Conclusion

Expanding knowledge, not speculation: The pathways of TFA formation and distribution are complex. The emission pathways in Switzerland must first be clearly identified. Regulatory approaches should be based on scientifically sound data – not on simplistic attributions.

TFA is a long-lived by-product of modern technology. No single sector can solve the problem alone. Emission pathways must be reviewed for potential reduction and addressed through a broad-based approach – technological, regulatory and international.