chlorofluorocarbons
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- general information about the contaminant
- use and practice
- mode of action and role in the environment
- potential and known side effects
- relevant control measures
- use and practice
- mode of action and role in the environment
- potential and known side effects
- relevant control measures
www.soest.hawaii.edu
general information
- Organic compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine
- Non-carcinogenic, non-toxic, and non-flammable
- Can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa
- Most common representative (Freon-12)
- Two main sub-classes are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that contain hydrogen and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that contain hydrogen and lack chlorine
use and practice
Catalyst for Creation:
- After several fatal accidents occurred in the 1920s when methyl chloride leaked from refrigerators, three American corporations (Frigidaire, General Motors and DuPoint) began searching for a safer alternative
- In 1928, Frigidaire was issued the first patent for the formula for CFCs
- In 1930, DuPoint created Freon, the first commercially produced CFC
- commercial and industrial uses
- refrigerant
- preferred coolant in large air conditioners
- propellant for bug sprays, paints, hair conditioners, and other health care products
- cleaning agents, degreasing agents, solvents
- foam-blowing agents
- in electrical components
refrigerant gas: Dichlorodifluoromethane(CFC-12)
mode of action and role in the environment
In the Environment:
- CFCs: emission into the atmosphere, ozone layer damage
- Long atmospheric lifetime: between 20 and 100 years
- May also be released into surface water, avoid strong binding to soil, and leach into groundwater
- Degrade slowly in groundwater
- CFCs are preferentially stored in fat tissue
- CFCs exposed to high temperatures can degrade into more acutely toxic gases such as chlorine and phosgene
POTENTIAL AND KNOWN SIDE EFFECTSrom the chemical:
chlorofluorocarbons, but can also enter by ingestion of contaminated water, or by skin contact with chlorofluorocarbon - Inhalation of high levels of chlorofluorocarbons can affect the lungs, central nervous system, heart (rhythm), liver and kidneys - pressurized CFCs may occur with a refrigerant leak and can cause frostbite to the skin as well as to the upper airway - Ingestion of chlorofluorocarbons can lead to nausea, irritation of the digestive tract
and diarrhea - Skin contact with chlorofluorocarbons can cause skin irritation and dermatitis - Symptoms of exposure to chlorofluorocarbons can include drowsiness, reduced coordination, headaches, slurred speech, disorientation, tingling sensations, tremors and weakness in the limbs
From its effects:
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relevant control measures/alternatives
- Montreal Protocol
- UK Pollution, Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations
- 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a), a chlorine-free hydrofluoroalkane, is internationally replacing billions of pounds of dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC 12) for coolant, refrigerant and aerosol propellant applications (from 2001 journal)
- HCFCs, HFCs, halocarbons
resources
Alexander, David E., and Rhodes W. Fairbridge. "Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)." The Chapman & Hall Encyclopedia of Environmental
Science. Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic, 1999. 78-80. NOAA. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
"Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)." Pollutant Fact Sheet. Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
"Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Health Information Summary." Environmental Fact Sheet. New Hampshire Department of Environmental
Services, 2010. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
Ritchie, Glenn D., Edward C. Kimmel, Larry E. Bowen, James E. Reboulet, and John Rossi, III. "Acute Neurobehavioral Effects in Rats
from Exposure to HFC 134a or CFC 12."NeuroToxicology 22.2 (2001): 233-48. Penn State Libraries. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.
"The Ozone Hole-Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs." The Ozone Hole-Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
Science. Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic, 1999. 78-80. NOAA. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
"Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)." Pollutant Fact Sheet. Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
"Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Health Information Summary." Environmental Fact Sheet. New Hampshire Department of Environmental
Services, 2010. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
Ritchie, Glenn D., Edward C. Kimmel, Larry E. Bowen, James E. Reboulet, and John Rossi, III. "Acute Neurobehavioral Effects in Rats
from Exposure to HFC 134a or CFC 12."NeuroToxicology 22.2 (2001): 233-48. Penn State Libraries. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.
"The Ozone Hole-Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs." The Ozone Hole-Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.