Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent pollutant in the environment, primarily from atmospheric degradation of fluorocarbons like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The transition to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) is beneficial for global warming but increases TFA production. This review examines TFA's toxicity, sources, sinks, and future prospects. TFA is highly soluble and mobile, accumulating in aqueous phases due to its high solubility. Its Henry's Law constant and gas-phase kinetic parameters influence surface concentrations, with model runs suggesting up to 25% variation. TFA's toxicity appears low, but further studies are needed. TFA is widely used in industrial organic synthesis and wastewater treatment, leading to significant environmental contamination. Its persistence and increasing emissions pose challenges for future research. TFA's atmospheric fate is dominated by wet deposition, with a lifetime of 5-10 days. Effective removal methods include adsorbent materials and photocatalytic decomposition. TFA concentrations in air, rainwater, and surface water vary significantly, with higher levels in urban areas and during certain seasons. Further research is needed to understand and mitigate TFA's environmental impact.Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent pollutant in the environment, primarily from atmospheric degradation of fluorocarbons like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The transition to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) is beneficial for global warming but increases TFA production. This review examines TFA's toxicity, sources, sinks, and future prospects. TFA is highly soluble and mobile, accumulating in aqueous phases due to its high solubility. Its Henry's Law constant and gas-phase kinetic parameters influence surface concentrations, with model runs suggesting up to 25% variation. TFA's toxicity appears low, but further studies are needed. TFA is widely used in industrial organic synthesis and wastewater treatment, leading to significant environmental contamination. Its persistence and increasing emissions pose challenges for future research. TFA's atmospheric fate is dominated by wet deposition, with a lifetime of 5-10 days. Effective removal methods include adsorbent materials and photocatalytic decomposition. TFA concentrations in air, rainwater, and surface water vary significantly, with higher levels in urban areas and during certain seasons. Further research is needed to understand and mitigate TFA's environmental impact.