Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine
. They are used in various applications, such as:
- Aerosol sprays
- Blowing agents for foams and packing materials
- Solvents
- Refrigerants
CFCs are also referred to as halocarbons or Freons, and they were originally developed as refrigerants during the 1930s
. Some common examples of CFCs include dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) and trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11)
. CFCs are classified as anthropogenic compounds, meaning they are produced by human activities
. CFCs have been found to pose a serious environmental threat, as they can deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change
. The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aimed to end the production of ozone-depleting chemicals by the end of the 20th century
. As a result, the use of CFCs has been gradually phased out, and alternative substances, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been developed to replace them
. HCFCs are less risky than CFCs because they decompose more readily in the lower atmosphere, but they still degrade the ozone layer and are scheduled to be phased out by 2030
