What are Chlorofluorocarbons and Halons?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons are man-made chemicals that exist as gases or liquids. Chlorofluorocarbons contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. Halons are similar but contain bromine or iodine. They are neither toxic nor flammable. They were first manufactured in 1930 under the trademark Freon. Chlorofluorocarbons and halons have lifespans in the atmosphere of 60 to 110 years. Sources They do not occur naturally; they are always manufactured. They are currently used as coolants in industrial, home and automobile refrigeration and air conditioning, foaming agent and cleaning solvents. In the past they were commonly used as propellants in aerosol cans. Halons are used in special-purpose fire extinguishers and protection systems in such areas as computer rooms and electronic areas. The chart below shows how chlorofluorocarbons were used in Canada in 1986. Canada is responsible for less than three percent of global chlorofluorocarbon use; and of those used in Canada in 1986, Albert
