Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent pollutant in the environment, with anthropogenic sources including industrial processes and the atmospheric degradation of fluorocarbons like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The transition from HFCs to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) reduces global warming potential but increases TFA production. TFA is highly soluble in water and can accumulate in environmental aqueous phases. Its toxicity appears low, though further studies are needed. TFA is primarily removed through wet deposition, with atmospheric lifetimes of up to 230 days. Recent model integrations suggest TFA surface concentrations vary by up to 10% based on Henry's Law data, but could be up to 25% smaller than previously modeled values. TFA is found in various environments, including rain, fog, and surface waters, and its persistence due to environmental stability may lead to long-term accumulation. While TFA is not expected to significantly contribute to acid rain, its increasing emissions and environmental stability pose challenges for future research. TFA is a major component of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are increasingly replacing long-chain versions. TFA is highly mobile in the environment and can bioaccumulate in some plant species. Its toxicity is generally low, but further studies are needed to assess its impact on humans and the environment. TFA is a significant source of atmospheric contamination, with increasing levels observed in various regions. The removal of TFA from the environment is challenging, and current treatment methods are not effective for large water bodies. New removal techniques, such as photocatalytic decomposition and adsorbent materials, show promise. TFA concentrations in air and rainfall have increased over the past few decades, with significant variations depending on location and season. Long-term studies are needed to better understand TFA's environmental fate and impact.Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent pollutant in the environment, with anthropogenic sources including industrial processes and the atmospheric degradation of fluorocarbons like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The transition from HFCs to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) reduces global warming potential but increases TFA production. TFA is highly soluble in water and can accumulate in environmental aqueous phases. Its toxicity appears low, though further studies are needed. TFA is primarily removed through wet deposition, with atmospheric lifetimes of up to 230 days. Recent model integrations suggest TFA surface concentrations vary by up to 10% based on Henry's Law data, but could be up to 25% smaller than previously modeled values. TFA is found in various environments, including rain, fog, and surface waters, and its persistence due to environmental stability may lead to long-term accumulation. While TFA is not expected to significantly contribute to acid rain, its increasing emissions and environmental stability pose challenges for future research. TFA is a major component of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are increasingly replacing long-chain versions. TFA is highly mobile in the environment and can bioaccumulate in some plant species. Its toxicity is generally low, but further studies are needed to assess its impact on humans and the environment. TFA is a significant source of atmospheric contamination, with increasing levels observed in various regions. The removal of TFA from the environment is challenging, and current treatment methods are not effective for large water bodies. New removal techniques, such as photocatalytic decomposition and adsorbent materials, show promise. TFA concentrations in air and rainfall have increased over the past few decades, with significant variations depending on location and season. Long-term studies are needed to better understand TFA's environmental fate and impact.