Chlorofluorocarbons Essay

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CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) ? Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of manufactured chemical compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They are colorless, odorless, nontoxic, nonflammable, and stable when emitted. CFCs are also called Freons. Where is it found? They are found in aerosols, refrigerators, air conditioners in homes, vehicles and businesses, fire extinguishers, insulating foams, styrofoam food packaging, and cleaning and electronic solvents. Are they harmful for the environment ? They are harmful for the environment. When they are emitted and reach the stratosphere, they break apart and release chlorine atoms, which destroy the earth’s ozone layer. CFCs can last for more than 100 years in the stratosphere. CFCs are also a “greenhouse gas” because they absorb heat in the atmosphere, sending some of the absorbed heat back to the surface of the earth and contributing to global warming and climate change. How can we reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons? Can they be replaced my any other compounds? To reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons you can ban them. They have been banned from production in countries like the United States. Only recycled and stockpiled CFCs can now be used on a limited basis. Ozone hole Ozone hole Aerosol spray cans once used CFCs, but this propellant has been banned in many places due to its impact on the ozone layer. Aerosol spray cans once used CFCs, but this propellant has been banned in many places due to its impact on the ozone layer. They can be replaced by much safer compounds like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).They are factory-made chemical compounds now being used as ozone-safe replacements for CFCs. They’re colorless, nontoxic, and ozone friendly. These chemicals have an ozone depleting potential of zero as they contain no chlorine. Their lifetimes are a lot shorter

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