Navigating the PFAS Debate: Balancing Science and Policy in the Refrigerant Industry
On June 26, 2025, Refrigerants Australia released a draft position statement on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aiming to bring scientific clarity and policy balance to a complex issue that increasingly affects the HVAC&R sector.
The draft responds to growing media attention around PFAS as “persistent, hard-to-break-down synthetic chemicals,” stating that such descriptions are often exaggerated and oversimplified. It emphasizes that the real challenges are more nuanced and should be addressed with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.
The statement summarizes current scientific understanding of PFAS, including TFA (trifluoroacetic acid)—a substance formed in the atmosphere as a breakdown product of some HFO refrigerants. It also outlines potential implications of PFAS-related regulations on the HVAC&R industry.
Refrigerants Australia stresses that regulatory decisions and industry strategies should be grounded in science, not media sensationalism. The statement notes that international differences in how PFAS are defined and evaluated could significantly influence future policymaking.
The draft is currently open for public comment, and the finalized statement is expected to shape the industry’s direction on refrigerant use and environmental compliance moving forward.
Key Terms
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
- TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid): A byproduct formed when certain HFO refrigerants degrade in the atmosphere; it is highly water-soluble and environmentally persistent.
- HVAC&R Industry: The sector encompassing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration—where refrigerant choice and regulation have a direct impact on operations.
