Chlorofluorocarbon facts for kids

An image showing CFC molecules. C is carbon, Cl is chlorine and F is fluorine.

NASA projection of stratospheric ozone, in Dobson units, if chlorofluorocarbons had not been banned.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are gases used for various purposes including solvents,refrigerants and aerosol sprays. They are organic chemicals and contain carbon, (sometimes hydrogen,) chlorine, and fluorine. They were much used in the middle 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 also are greenhouse gases. An alternative is hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These do not destroy the ozone layer or increase global warming.

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Images for kids

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  The warming influence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased substantially in recent years. The rising presence of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning is the largest overall driver. The relatively smaller but significant warming impact from releases of the most abundantly produced CFCs (CFC11 and CFC12) will continue to persist for many further decades into the future.

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  Animated version]].

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  Ozone-depleting gas trends

See also

In Spanish: Clorofluorocarburo para niños