Der wissenschaftliche Ausschuss der ECHA befürwortet die Einstufung von TFA als reproduktionstoxisch

At its meeting of 1–5 June 2026, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concluded that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) should be classified as Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B (H360Df). This means that TFA may damage the unborn child and may impair fertility. RAC also supported the classification of TFA as a PMT substance (Persistent, Mobile and Toxic) and as vPvM (very Persistent and very Mobile), reflecting its exceptional persistence and mobility in the environment.

TFA is the smallest member of the large family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”. It is formed as a degradation product of numerous fluorinated substances, including certain pesticides, refrigerants and industrial chemicals. For many years, TFA received less regulatory attention than well-known PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS because it was considered comparatively less toxic. The RAC opinion calls this assumption into question.

According to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), TFA is by far the most widespread anthropogenic chemical in groundwater. It is present throughout Swiss groundwater and occurs at concentrations typically 100 to 1,000 times higher than those of other PFAS detected to date. These findings highlight the exceptional mobility and persistence of TFA in the water cycle.

What happens next?

The RAC opinion is not yet legally binding. The European Commission will now consider the RAC recommendation and prepare the final harmonised classification under the CLP Regulation. Once adopted, the classification will become legally binding throughout the European Union and the European Economic Area.

Contact

For further information, contact Dr. Lothar Aicher (Email).