What are perfluorocompounds (PFCs) and why is EPA concerned?
PFCs are highly potent greenhouse gases. With global warming potentials (GWPs) in the thousands, PFCs absorb infrared radiation (i.e., heat) and trap it in the atmosphere very effectively. PFCs are also generally very stable chemicals and therefore possess atmospheric lifetimes from 264 to 50,000 years. Consequently, these gases will accumulate in the atmosphere and their effect on the climate will be felt by many future generations. Please visit EPA’s Climate Change Web site for more information on the impacts of climate change.
