gases and ozone depleting substances – What are they?
What are fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases)? • Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) gases are a family of chemicals that contain fluorine. Most F gases are very powerful greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming if emitted to the atmosphere. The relevant gases that fall under the EC F gas Regulation are: • HFCs Hydrofluorocarbons Common uses: refrigerants in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps used in many applications such as industry, offices, retail, hospitality and cars. Other uses: aerosols, insulating foam, solvents and fire protection PFCs Perfluorocarbons Used in semi-conductor manufacture and a few other specialised applications. SF6 Sulphur hexafluoride Used in high voltage switch gear, for magnesium smelting processes and a few other specialised applications. • Some manufacturing operations use F gases in the production process or produce F gases as a by-product; these more specialist uses include electronics manufacture, magnesium smelting and HCF
