Reprotoxic and Persistent: ECHA Committee Recommends New Classification for TFA

The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published its final opinions on the harmonized classification and labeling of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), sodium trifluoroacetate (NaTFA), and other inorganic TFA salts, and has submitted them to the European Commission. These opinions are based on a proposal from Germany.

What the Committee Recommends

For TFA, NaTFA, and other inorganic salts, the RAC proposes a classification as toxic to reproduction:

• Repr. 1B (H360D) for developmental toxicity (harm to the unborn child)
• Repr. 2 (H361f) for effects on fertility or sexual function

In addition, the Committee recommends classification as persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) as well as very persistent and very mobile (vPvM). For TFA itself, acute toxicity is also noted: Category 4 for oral exposure and Category 3 for inhalation.

Focus on Environmental Properties

TFA and its inorganic salts break down in the body and in the environment into components that have largely the same toxicological effects. According to the RAC, its high persistence and mobility are particularly critical: The substances can spread through soil and water and remain in groundwater and other water resources over the long term.

Origin of TFA

TFA is a synthetically produced chemical used in laboratories and in industrial applications. In addition, TFA is formed as a degradation product of certain fluorinated compounds. These include substances from the PFAS group, which are used, for example, in fluorinated gases and in the active ingredients of biocides and plant protection products. TFA can thus be generated both through intentional use and through the degradation of other substances.

Next Steps

The European Commission is reviewing the recommendations together with the Member States and other stakeholders. If it adopts the proposals, the classifications and labeling requirements will be incorporated into the CLP Regulation as harmonized, legally binding provisions. This could have implications for various sector-specific regulatory areas of EU chemicals law.

The opinions take into account both the deliberations within the committee and the comments received during the public consultation. The RAC opinions and the associated procedural documents are available on the ECHA website.