Used as a substitute for CFCs, this group of gases is now being phased-out of production as it has also been found to contribute to ozone depletion. They are, however, still very powerful greenhouse gases and they create various other undesirable environmental hazards.
A family of ODS, many of which are used as substitutes for CFCs. Chemicals include hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon. Their atmospheric lifetimes range from 1.4 to 19.5 years. The most common HCFC, by far, is HCFC-22, which has been in production since the 1950s, and is used in refrigeration and foams. HCFCs-141b/142b are the second most common HCFCs, and are used in foams, and to a much more limited extent, as aerosols and solvents. Production of the third most-common group of HCFCs -- HCFCs 123a/124a -- began in the late 1980s, and finds little market demand. These chemicals are used mainly as refrigerants and sterilants. The Montreal Protocol caps consumption of HCFCs from 1996-2003 at levels equalling 103.1% of CFC consumption in 1989. This cap is then reduced to 65% from 2004 to 2009, 35% from 2010 to 2014, 10% from 2015 to 2019, 0.5% from 2020 to 2029, and zero thereafter. These countries, however, may produce unlimited amounts of HCFCs for consumption in Article 5 countries. No caps or phase-out dates have been set for Article 5 countries.
chemicals used as interim replacements for CFCs, largely as refrigerants
organic substances composed of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms. These chemicals are less stable than CFCs, and are therefore less damaging to the ozone layer
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, ozone-depleting gases used as refrigerants. Less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs.
chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Chlorine based chemicals that contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Chlorofluorocarbons that have been chemically altered by the addition of hydrogen and which are significantly less damaging to stratospheric ozone than other CFCs.
Abbreviation for hydrochlorofluorocarbons.