chlorofluorocarbons
Banned refrigerant chemicals
Chlorofluorocarbons are synthetic compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms, once widely used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents.
When released into the atmosphere, they break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, creating the ozone hole that triggered international bans beginning in the 1980s.
Usually abbreviated CFCs: The Montreal Protocol phased out CFCs worldwide.
Protective atmospheric layer destruction
- ozone layerAtmospheric UV filter
- stratosphericExtremely high up
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- UV radiationInvisible high-energy light waves
ozone hole · Antarctica · photolysis · bromine · atmospheric · troposphere · skin cancer
Heat-transfer medium
- propellantSubstance creating thrust
- aerosolMist in gas
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
- air conditioningIndoor cooling system
refrigeration · fire extinguisher · degreaser · styrofoam · coolant · spray can · dry cleaning
Heat-trapping atmospheric compound
- global warmingRising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse effectAtmospheric heat retention mechanism
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- long-livedHaving extended lifespan
Gradual discontinuation process
- banOfficial restriction on something
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- environmental lawStatutes protecting natural systems
- complianceAdhering to requirements
ratification · enforcement · emissions control · alternatives · international agreement · policy · legislation
Salt-producing element group
- covalentSharing electrons between atoms
- bondingForming close connections
- organicFrom living matter
- synthesisCombining parts into whole
volatility · stability · inertness · reactivity · hydrocarbon · molecular structure · saturated · tetrahedral
Trademarked cooling compound
Synthetic cooling-system gases
- ammoniaAcrid nitrogen-hydrogen gas
- isobutaneBranched four-carbon alkane
- ozone-friendlyNon-damaging to stratosphere
- retrofitUpdate existing equipment
ozone depletion
Protective atmospheric layer destruction
- ozone layerAtmospheric UV filter
- stratosphericExtremely high up
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
UV radiation · ozone hole · Antarctica · photolysis · bromine · atmospheric · troposphere · skin cancer
refrigerant
Heat-transfer medium
- propellantSubstance creating thrust
- aerosolMist in gas
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
air conditioning · refrigeration · fire extinguisher · degreaser · styrofoam · coolant · spray can · dry cleaning
greenhouse gas
Heat-trapping atmospheric compound
- global warmingRising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse effectAtmospheric heat retention mechanism
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
phase-out
Gradual discontinuation process
- banOfficial restriction on something
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- environmental lawStatutes protecting natural systems
compliance · ratification · enforcement · emissions control · alternatives · international agreement · policy · legislation
halogen
Salt-producing element group
synthesis · volatility · stability · inertness · reactivity · hydrocarbon · molecular structure · saturated · tetrahedral · nonpolar
Freon
Trademarked cooling compound
HFCs
Synthetic cooling-system gases
- ammoniaAcrid nitrogen-hydrogen gas
- isobutaneBranched four-carbon alkane
- ozone-friendlyNon-damaging to stratosphere
- Climate Changeglobal warming, greenhouse gases, climate change, CO2, rising temperatures
- gasesgas, air, oxygen, helium, nitrogen
- pollutionair pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, smog, toxic waste
- Air Pollutantssmoke, smog, soot, exhaust, fumes
- Ozoneozone, ozone layer, ozone hole, ozone depletion, stratospheric ozone
- toxic substancesDDT, toxic fumes, poison gas, dioxin, benzene
chlorofluorocarbonshydrofluorocarbons
Fluorine-based cooling agents
HFCs · hydrocarbons · ammonia · isobutane · propane