Definitions for "HCFC"
HCFC HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are organic compounds that are similar to CFCs but less destructive to ozone. HCFCs consist of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine. They are used as replacements for CFCs, but are to be phased out by the year 2020, as specified by the Montreal Protocol, when they are expected to be completely replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Fluorine and chlorine containing hydrocarbons
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. A chemical compound with molecules that contain one, two or three carbon atoms and at least one atom each of hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine. HCFCs have a lower ODP than CFCs. The hydrogen makes them less stable and therefore less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs. They are considered acceptable substitutes for CFCs for a transitional period. HCFC production and importation will be phased out by 2020 for most HCFCs, and by 2030 for HCFC-123. For further information about HCFC, see the HCFC table and the NOAA Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory site.