HFCs

HFCs are another replacement for CFCs. HFCs are considered a better replacement than HCFCs because they have no chlorine, which makes the potential for HFCs to deplete the ozone less likely. Also, HFCs contain only one or a few fluorine atoms. Like HCFCs, HFCs are more reactive than CFCs, which makes this better for the environment because they will not stay in the atmosphere for long periods of time, which means that HFCs will not continue on into the stratosphere and cause potential harm to the ozone. However, use of HFCs is not entirely safe. According to Science Daily, HFCs can still contribute to climate change, especially in developing countries. HFCs, which do not contain ozone-destroying chlorine or bromine atoms, are used as substitutes for ozone-depleting compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in such uses as refrigeration, air conditioning, and the production of insulating foams. The Montreal Protocol, a 1987 international agreement, has gradually phased out the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances, leading to the development of long-term replacements such as HFCs.