Fluorocarbons are compounds made of fluorine and carbon, but some also contain other atoms. HCFCs and CFCs, which contain hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, are being phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. HFCs, which only contain hydrogen and fluorine, are being used as replacements but contribute to global warming. Fluorocarbons have various uses, but exposure to high levels can cause health problems. It is important to minimize emissions by preventing leaks and recovering gases after use.
Using the strictest definition, fluorocarbons are molecules made up only of fluorine and carbon atoms, but, in practice, a number of chemical compounds that contain other atoms are often referred to as fluorocarbons. These compounds, which are actually derivatives of fluorocarbons, include hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs, which contain hydrogen and chlorine, and chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which contain chlorine. Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which contain hydrogen, have been developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and fire fighting foams. CFCs and HCFCs have the disadvantage of causing damage to the ozone layer. Of the fluorocarbons currently in use, HFCs are not thought to affect the ozone layer, but contribute to global warming.
Fluorocarbons have the safety advantages of not being flammable or poisonous. In addition to being used in cooling systems and foams, a fluorocarbon can have numerous other uses. Fluorocarbon gel is an industrial lubricant used to grease metal components, while electronic fluorocarbons are gases. They are fired into a surface to etch a design into it, a process that is part of the manufacturing of silicon chips and circuit boards.
While there are a number of different fluorocarbons, many of them have similar possible health risks. Known effects of fluorocarbons include skin irritation, with dryness, cracking, redness and rash formation. If fluorocarbon gases are present in the air at concentrations above a certain level, the throat, nose and eyes can also become irritated. Short-term results of exposure to high levels of fluorocarbons can include nervous system effects, with symptoms resembling inebriation, while long-term exposure can cause more permanent damage.
Even though the use of CFCs has largely been phased out, the chemicals still exist in older equipment that dates back to before there was general worldwide agreement to phase out CFCs. HCFCs, introduced to replace CFCs while better alternatives were being developed, are also being phased out. HCFCs are thought to affect the ozone layer less than CFCs. Although HFCs, which are now replacing both CFCs and HCFCs, are not thought to damage the ozone layer, the fact that they are potent greenhouse gases means they could have a large effect on global warming. Fluorocarbon emissions can be minimized by preventing equipment leaks and by keeping the gases contained and recovering them after use rather than releasing them into the atmosphere.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
