Report on the common sources of CFC gas emissions and necessary steps to reduce their emissions :: GR 01

Report on the common sources of CFC gas emissions and necessary steps to reduce their emissions.

INTRODUCTION:

CFC History

Ø  Refrigerators from the late 1800s until 1929 used the toxic gases, ammonia (NH3), methyl chloride (CH3Cl), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), as refrigerants. Several fatal accidents occurred in the 1920s because of methyl chloride leakage from refrigerators. People started leaving their refrigerators in their backyards. A collaborative effort began between three American corporations, Frigidaire, General Motors and DuPont to search for a less dangerous method of refrigeration.

Ø  In 1928, Thomas Midgley, Jr. aided by Charles Franklin Kettering invented a "miracle compound" called Freon. Freon represents several different chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in commerce and industry. The CFCs are a group of aliphatic organic compounds containing the elements carbon and fluorine, and, in many cases, other halogens (especially chlorine) and hydrogen. Freons are colorless, odorless, nonflammable, noncorrosive gases or liquids.

Ø  Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are highly stable compounds that were used as propellents in spray cans and in refrigeration units. They are several organic compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen. CFCs are manufactured under the trade name Freon.

Ø  The invention of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the late 1920s and early 1930s stemmed from the call for safer alternatives to the sulfur dioxide and ammonia refrigerants used at the time, CFCs found wide application after World War II. Chlorofluorocarbons were first created in 1928 as non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerants, and were first produced commercially in the 1930's by DuPont. The first Chlorofluorocarbon was CFC-12, a single carbon with two chlorines and two Fluorines attached to it.

Ø  These halogenated hydrocarbons, notably trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11, or F-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12, or F-12), have been used extensively as aerosol-spray propellants, refrigerants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents. They are well-suited for these and other applications because they are nontoxic and nonflammable and can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa.

Ø  Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs (also known as Freon) are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-carcinogenic. They contain fluorine atoms, carbon atoms and chlorine atoms. The 5 main CFCs include CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane - CFCl3), CFC-12 (dichloro-difluoromethane - CF2Cl2), CFC-113 (trichloro-trifluoroethane - C2F3Cl3), CFC-114 (dichloro-tetrfluoroethane - C2F4Cl2), and CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane - C2F5Cl).

Definition:

Ø Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of compounds which contain the elements chlorine, fluorine and carbon. At room temperatures, they are usually colorless gases or liquids which evaporate easily. They are generally unreactive and stable, non-toxic and non-flammable. CFCs are also a part of the group of chemicals known as the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ø Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is an organic compound that contains carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, produced as a volatile derivative of methane and ethane. A common subclass is the hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which contain hydrogen, as well. Freon is DuPont's brand name for CFCs, HCFCs and related compounds. Other commercial names from around the world are Algofrene, Arcton, Asahiflon, Daiflon, Eskimo, FCC, Flon, Flugene, Forane, Fridohna, Frigen, Frigedohn, Genetron, Isceon, Isotron, Kaiser, Kaltron, Khladon, Ledon, Racon, and Ucon. The most common representative is dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12 or Freon-12). Ø  Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs, are chemical compounds made up of chlorine, fluorine and carbon. They are particularly harmful when released into the atmosphere because of their destructive reaction with O-zone particles, which provide the Earth with a protective layer against UV radiation. CFC production has been virtually eliminated by most countries since 1995, though a few specialized products still call for them. SOURCES OF CFC GAS EMISSIONS:              A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is an organic compound that contains only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, produced as a volatile derivative of methane and ethane. They are also commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon. The most common representative is dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon-12). Many CFCs have been widely used as refrigerants, propellants and solvents. The manufacture of such compounds has been phased out by the Montreal Protocol because they contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere.     CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, also referred to as Freons, consist of various combinations of chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms. CFCs have been used as propellants, refrigerants, foaming agents and solvents. The U.S. banned the use of CFCs as propellents in most aerosols in 1978, and in January 1996, banned all production of CFCs. (See Reference 1) Another chlorocarbon, hyrdrochlorofluorocarbon, or HCFC, has been used largely as the replacement to CFCs. This compound is considered safer than CFCs because it breaks down more quickly, but both CFCs and HCFCs contain chlorine -- the atom that destroys ozone -- and both are greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Refrigerants:         The most common emitter of CFCs is refrigerants, particularly those used after the 1930s. DuPont brand named their new product “Freon,” but the CFC-based refrigerant was produced worldwide under a variety of brand names. When old refrigerators, cars, air conditioners and other machines with this coolant are not properly disposed of, they leak CFCs into the atmosphere as liquids evaporate or work their way into the soil. Aircraft Halon:          Aviation regulations in some countries still require fire suppression systems outfitted with Halon, a coolant containing CFCs. As of 2011, a safe and effective alternative has not been found. Despite using the dangerous chemical, the industry must follow certain safety measures to dispose of the refrigerant responsibly and to recycle the material when possible.       Aerosols:           Gasses containing CFCs were used for a long time as components in aerosol cans and propellant liquids. They were fazed out of aerosol production in 1999 in favor of less harmful hydrocarbon alternatives. However, since CFC molecules have a lifetime of 20 to 100 years in the stratosphere, the damage done in previous decades continues to make an impact. Rogue CFCs:                     As refrigerants and aerosol cans containing CFCs become older and more obsolete, people tend to forget about them, leaving them eventually to leak and further contaminate the atmosphere. Refrigeration Units:             Household refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1996 typically contain CFC refrigerant; newer equipment is likely to contain HCFC refrigerants. As of January 1, 2010, the EPA issued a ban on the use, import and production of HCFC refrigerants except for the on-going service needs of existing equipment. (See Reference 3) With this additional step, the EPA anticipates ozone-depleting refrigerants will be gradually phased-out. Consumers can help the process by making sure that technicians servicing older refrigeration units have the proper EPA Section 608 certification; by purchasing newer equipment that uses non-ozone depleting refrigerants; or by refitting old equipment to accept non-ozone depleting refrigerants. When disposing of older refrigeration units, make sure they are properly picked up by an authorized agent. Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps:                               As with refrigeration equipment, air-conditioners and heat pumps made before 1996 may contain CFCs. Today, most use ozone-depleting HCFCs, primarily HCFC-22, referred to as R-22. Beginning in 2010, U.S. heating, ventilating and air-conditioning manufacturers are not permitted to produce new air-conditioners or heat pumps that use R-22. Manufacturers can still produce and import R-22 until 2020 after that date, older equipment can be serviced with recycled. To assist in this phase-out, consumers can purchase new air-conditioners and heat pumps that do not use ozone-depleting substances. In addition, replacing old heating and air-conditioning units with new Energy Star-labeled equipment can help save energy and money while protecting the environment. Cars:                    The EPA phased-out the use of CFC-12, a common refrigerant used in automobile air-conditioners and known to be ozone-depleting. Production of CFC-12 ended in 1995, although some supply of this chemical may still be available to service older vehicles. (See Reference 5) The EPA has a compiled a fact sheet of approved substances to replace CFC-12. (See Reference 6) Some can be used to retrofit older vehicles and replace CFC-12, while others are designed for use only in newer models. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for alternative refrigerant. When purchasing a new or used vehicle, ask which substance the air-conditioner uses. Maintain your vehicle to prevent refrigerant leaks. Other Products:                   The EPA issued a ban, Section 610 of the Clean Air Act, on the sale and distribution of nonessential products that use CFCs and HCFCs in 1993, and amended the ban in 2001. Products covered by the ban include virtually all aerosol products, pressurized dispensers and foam products. (See Reference 7) Prior to the 1978 ban on aerosols in the U.S., CFCs were common in household products such as hairsprays and insecticides. Older appliances and products that might still contain CFCs should be properly disposed of; contact your municipality to find out the proper disposal procedures. Do not attempt to remove refrigerants yourself.  PROBLEMS THROUGH CFC GASES:

                CFCs have been found to pose a serious environmental threat. Studies undertaken by various scientists during the 1970s revealed that CFCs released into the atmosphere accumulate in the stratosphere, where they had a deleterious effect on the ozone layer. Stratospheric ozone shields living organisms on Earth from the harmful effects of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation; even a relatively small decrease in the stratospheric ozone concentration can result in an increased incidence of skin cancer in humans and in genetic damage in many organisms. In the stratosphere the CFC molecules break down by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation and release their constituent chlorine atoms. These then react with the ozone molecules, resulting in their removal.

                 

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are entirely anthropogenic ally produced by aerosol propellants, refrigerator coolants and air conditioners. They are made up of carbon, chlorine and fluorine molecules. CFCs are destroyed slowly by photochemical reactions in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere).

                                    

                    CFCs were absent from the atmosphere before the 1930s, but over the last half century, their concentrations have steadily increased. Although their concentrations are measured in parts per trillion (by volume), they are seen as a significant threat to future global warming. They possess long atmospheric lifetimes measured in decades to centuries, and molecule for molecule, are thousands of time stronger as a greenhouse gas than CO2 (IPCC, 1990a). Halons are similar anthropogenic species but contain bromine instead of chlorine.

                  

              CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years, and consequently one free chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do a lot of damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. Although emissions of CFCs around the developed world have largely ceased due to international control agreements, the damage to the stratospheric ozone layer will continue well into the 21st century.

HOW TO REDUCE CFC EMISSIONS:

                 Chlorofluorocarbons are human-made chemicals once used widely around the globe. During the 1970s and 1980s, scientists discovered that CFCs were destroying the protective ozone layer in Earth's upper atmosphere. The 1987 Montreal Protocol has reduced the worldwide stock of CFCs and other ozone-destroying compounds by 98 percent. The ozone layer is expected to recover by the mid-twenty-first century. However, it is still vital to reduce and eliminate the remaining CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.

Instructions:

              Choose CFC-free products for your household. With the worldwide implementation of the Montreal Protocol, it became much easier to make such choices. CFCs have largely disappeared from the computer manufacturing process, polystyrene packing materials and disposable cups, refrigerators, car and home air conditioners, aerosol sprays, fire extinguishers, degreasing compounds and foam ingredients in furniture.

                However, you may still encounter CFC-containing items. The Natural Resources Defense Council website recommends product databases that can guide you to ozone-friendly purchases.

                   If you own or work for a business, ensure that your company supplies and products are as free of CFCs as possible. As of late 2010, you are more likely to encounter CFCs in industrial than in household use. Consult the Natural Resources Defense Council's recommended product databases. The NRDC website also publishes a sample letter encouraging suppliers to adopt ozone-friendly compounds, which you could use as a template.

                  Follow the Montreal Protocol's directives as well as national and local laws for disposal of any appliances like refrigerators that were manufactured before CFC phase-out. Special procedures prevent escape of any CFCs into the atmosphere. These include recapture and recycling as well as approved means of destroying the CFCs.

EFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT:          CFCs are unlikely to have any direct impact on the environment in the immediate vicinity of their release. As VOCs, they may be slightly involved in reactions to produce ground level ozone, which can cause damage to plants and materials on a local scale.                                   At a global level however, releases of CFCs have serious environmental consequences. Their long lifetimes in the atmosphere mean that some end up in the higher atmosphere (stratosphere) where they can destroy the ozone layer, thus reducing the protection it offers the earth from the sun's harmful UV rays. CFCs also contribute to Global Warming (through "the Greenhouse Effect"). Although the amounts emitted are relatively small, they have a powerful warming effect (a very high "Global Warming Potential"). EXPOSURE OF CFC GAS TO HUMAN BODY CAUSES DISEASES:

          Chlorofluorocarbons enter the body primarily by inhalation of air containing chlorofluorocarbons, but can also enter by ingestion of contaminated water, or by dermal contact with chlorofluorocarbons. Inhalation of high levels of chlorofluorocarbons can affect the lungs, central nervous system, heart, liver and kidneys. Symptoms of exposure to chlorofluorocarbons can include drowsiness, slurred speech, disorientation, tingling sensations and weakness in the limbs. Exposure to extremely high levels of chlorofluorocarbons can result in death. Ingestion of chlorofluorocarbons can lead to nausea, irritation of the digestive tract and diarrhea. Dermal contact with chlorofluorocarbons can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.

               Chlorofluorocarbons are involved in the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer resulting in increased exposure to UV radiation which is known to cause skin cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has not designated chlorofluorocarbons as a group in terms of their carcinogenicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated chlorofluoromethane and chlorodifluoromethane as being not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans. However, exposure to chlorofluorocarbons at normal background levels is unlikely to have any adverse effect on human health.

 

The Advantages of CFC Elimination:

 

        CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon) are a chemical compound that are known to deplete the Earth's ozone layer and are a leading cause of global warming. Since the 1980s, many countries have been limiting the use of CFCs in products. There have been some unique benefits as a result of this phasing out of CFCs, although the process is not yet complete.

Protection of the Ozone Layer

           The Ozone layer is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere which absorbs sun rays and protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation. CFCs eat away at the ozone layer. Currently, there is a depletion of about three percent of the ozone layer in the Northern Hemisphere and six percent in the Southern Hemisphere. If CFCs were not in the process of being phased out, we would see much more depletion, more than 20 percent in all parts of the world.

Health Benefits

             Phasing out CFCs has decreased the effects of the sun on human beings and has reduced the risk of sun-related diseases, such as skin cancer and cataracts. In addition, CFC elimination can boost the body's immune system, as it is not exposed to as much ultraviolet radiation. CFC elimination can also boost the protection of plant and animal life, which results in cleaner air and more balanced ecosystems.

Energy Efficiency

        Since the governments around the world have begun the process of phasing out CFCs, companies have been forced to produce more energy-efficient devices. This is especially true in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries. This cuts down on energy use, resulting in savings for consumers and less damage to the Earth. The EPA estimates consumers saved $480 million dollars in 2000.

Pollution

       Removing CFCs can also have an indirect effect on decreasing the amount of pollution in the air. This is a result of the energy-efficient machinery used by companies that must reduce or eliminate CFC use. These new technologies also release less greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, therefore reducing the amount of pollution this machinery produces.

Practical Application

      CFCs and HCFCs are used as refrigerants, as their molecular arrangements are neutral to metals and liquid at cold temperatures. They are stable enough molecules to be able to reach the stratosphere intact and act as catalysts in ozone destruction, depleting the natural ozone layer protecting the planet from cosmic radiation. HCFCs are less destructive than CFCs.

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION:
  

          At last any way the main thing is to reduce the cfc gas emissions below there are some of the ways.

 

To reduce CFC's:

Following are the ways to reduce CFC's or Chlorofluorocarbons:- 

·         Only those refrigerators should be used that are CFC free because refridgerators contain high amount of CFC's.

·         Air conditioners should not be used in order to avoid the increased amount of CFC's.

·         Also the deodorants which we use in our daily life should be checked if it has a mark stating that it is CFC free, before buying.

These steps should be strictly followed in order to reduce the increased amount of CFC in the atmosphere, which may lead to ozone layer depletion further leading to loss of lives on earth due to skin cancer etc.caused by the ultra-violet radiations.