CFC

(noun)

An organic compound that was commonly used as a refrigerant. Not commonly used anymore because of its ozone depletion effect.

Examples of CFC in the following topics:

  • Polar Ozone Holes

    • CFCs released at the Earth's surface migrated to the stratosphere, where they interrupted the cycle of ozone generation.
    • Atomic chlorine radicals formed from CFCs (and bromine radicals from bromofluorocarbons, or BFCs) act as catalysts to destroy ozone.
    • The whole process, using CFCl3 as the CFC, is outlined below:
    • CFCs have caused a gradual decrease in ozone levels throughout the stratosphere.
    • The role of CFCs in the destruction of the ozone layer was determined in 1974, and a number of bans on CFCs were passed in the years that followed; these bans led to a decrease in the size of the holes in the ozone layer.

  • Ozone Depletion

    • The main source of these halogen atoms in the stratosphere is photodissociation of man-made halocarbon refrigerants; examples include CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), freons, and halons.
    • CFCs and other contributing substances are referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
    • The atomic chlorine and bromine radicals are found in certain stable organic compounds, especially CFCs, which can make their way to the stratosphere because of their low reactivity.
    • A common misconception is that because CFC molecules are heavier than air (both nitrogen and oxygen), they cannot reach the stratosphere in significant amounts and therefore do not contribute significantly to ozone depletion.

  • Earth's Atmosphere

    • In the recent past, we have damaged our ozone layer by putting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.
    • The CFCs have damaged ozone, resulting in a hole in the ozone layer.
    • In recent years, CFCs have been banned and the ozone layer hole is shrinking.

  • Introduction to the Perils of Greenwashing

    • For example, boasting that a product is free of CFCs may sound good; however, since CFCs have been illegal for almost 20 years, making such a claim can be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public into thinking that the manufacturer has gone the extra mile.

  • Air Pollution

  • Heat Pumps and Refrigerators

    • A working fluid such as a non-CFC refrigerant is used in a basic heat pump.