Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a class of synthetic compounds composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Introduced in the late 20th century as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), HFCs are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing, and as aerosol propellants. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with significant global warming potential (GWP).

Key aspects of HFCs include:

• High Global Warming Potential: HFCs have GWP values ranging from hundreds to thousands of times that of carbon dioxide (CO?), making them significant contributors to climate change. For example, HFC-134a has a GWP of 1,530 over a 100-year period.
• Short Atmospheric Lifetime: HFCs are considered short-lived climate pollutants with atmospheric lifetimes typically between 15 and 29 years.
• Regulatory Measures: Due to their high GWP, international agreements like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aim to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs globally.

Mitigating the impact of HFCs involves transitioning to alternative substances with lower GWP and implementing policies to reduce their use in industrial and commercial applications.

Source(s):

• Climate & Clean Air Coalition. (n.d.). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
• GHG Protocol. (2024). IPCC Global Warming Potential Values.
• Environmental Investigation Agency. (n.d.). What Are Hydrofluorocarbons?

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