Are Hcfcs Ozone Depleting?
The Hcfcs Are One Class of Chemicals Being Used to Replace the Cfcs. They Contain Chlorine and Thus Deplete Stratospheric Ozone, but to a Much Lesser Extent...
The HCFCs are one class of chemicals being used to replace the CFCs. They contain chlorine and thus deplete stratospheric ozone, but to a much lesser extent than CFCs. HCFCs have ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) ranging from 0.01 to 0.1.
How do HCFCs destroy ozone?
A certain portion of HCFC molecules released to the atmosphere will reach the stratosphere and be destroyed there by photolysis (light-initiated decomposition). The chlorine released in the stratosphere can then participate in ozone depleting reactions as does chlorine liberated from the photolysis of CFCs.
Does HCFCs form ozone?
Nevertheless, HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances and are to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol by 2020 in the developed world and 2040 elsewhere. The contribution of HCFCs to chlorine loading is shown in Figure 3; no allowance has been made for the relative effectiveness of their chlorine content.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
