Chlorofluorocarbon

A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a gas used for various purposes including solvents, refrigerants, and aerosol sprays. They are organic chemicals and contain carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. They were much used in the middle of the 20th century, replacing chemicals that were toxic or flammable or had other problems. 

In 1978, Sweden became the first country that banned CFC products. Later, the US and Canada did the same. Now, CFC products are not allowed in most countries, because they cause ozone depletion. CFCs are greenhouse gases. An alternative to chlorofluorocarbons is hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These do not destroy the ozone layer or increase global warming.M. Rossberg et al. Chlorinated hydrocarbons in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2006, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. 

 Related pages 
Thomas Midgley (American inventor)
Freon

 References 


Category:Organochlorides
Category:Organofluorides
Category:Greenhouse gases
Category:Hydrogen compounds
Category:HVAC
Category:Ozone depletion
Category:Refrigerants