Why Are CFCs Made?

CFCs are one of the most dangerous chemicals for the environment. Some of society's favorite products, such as aerosol cans, contain CFCs, but the world will eventually cease production of CFCs in the coming decades.

Identification

• Chlorofluorocarbons were developed in the late 1920s to replace dangerous refrigerants such as sulfur dioxide and ammonia.

Benefits

• Although scientists now know that CFCs destroy ozone, CFCs do have several benefits: they are nontoxic to humans, nonflammable, noncorrosive and very inert.

Misconceptions

• CFCs are a subcategory of gases known as halocarbons--all of which likely deplete ozone. Halocarbons are any mixture of fluorine, chlorine and bromine attached to a carbon molecule.

Current Regulations

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restricts the import or domestic production of CFCs to essential uses. As of 2009, CFCs as a propellant in metered-dose medical inhalers are one of the few legitimate uses.

Future

• Eventually, the U.S. government must eliminate all use of CFCs and halocarbons by 2030 as demanded by the Montreal Protocol international agreement. Until that time, production and consumption shall gradually decrease.