Levels of Banned CFCs Rising

banned CFCs rising

Back in the 2000s, five CFCs (CFC-13, CFC-112a, CFC-113a, CFC-114a and CFC-115) were banned because of their ability to destroy the ozone layer and needed to be completely phased out by 2010. However, studies found that atmospheric emissions of five banned CFCs increased between 2010 and 2020.

Researchers noted that finding the CFCs present isn’t the issue, but that the levels of the CFCs are rising when they are supposed to be decreasing. Some CFCs are used as feedstocks for the production of other chemicals. According to the study, CFCs emissions are very likely to occur during the production of HFCs, which still serve as substitutes for CFCs in many applications. Also, CFC-113a, CFC-114a and CFC-115 are known byproducts of HFC-125 production, and CFC-113a and CFC-114a are a feedstock and intermediary, respectively, in one of the production pathways to HFC-134a.

The warming effect of the five CFC chemicals on the planet is equivalent to that of the CO2 emissions produced by a small country like Switzerland. As a corrective action, researchers are zoning in more on where these emissions come from and how they can be improved to try and continue reducing CFC emissions. Another step in reducing CFCs would be to reevaluate the use of HFCs and HFOs so they do not create CFC byproducts. 

Otis Instruments offers a variety of Wired and WireFree easy-to-use, robust and configurable gas detectors for monitoring regulated emission levels, such as CFCs. Made in the USA, our high-quality products are capable of detecting both toxic and non-toxic gases for diverse applications. For integrated technology services, Otis Instruments offers Otis Link, providing industrial equipment monitoring devices and related data services. Within Otis Link, we offer automatic and controls and telemetry monitoring. 

Otis Link automation & controls systems provide a modernized AWS-secured cloud communication system capable of tracking and delivering data in real time, sending alerts via email or SMS text message. Connecting the user to assets via wired or wireless configurations, the user can efficiently and effectively access and control equipment remotely. Otis Link telemetry systems provide cloud-based remote industrial equipment monitoring devices and related data services. Otis Link devices send alarms by email and SMS text message, along with real-time data viewable on an easy-to-use website. Connecting the user to assets via wired or wireless configurations, the user can view and manage their equipment effectively.

To learn more information about gas detection solutions for your application, gas detection solutions for CFC emission monitoring, or have a question for us, contact our team today.

banned CFCs rising