Freonipohjaiset

Freonipohjaiset refers to substances that are based on Freon. Freon is a brand name for a group of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds that were widely used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol cans, and solvents. These compounds are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms.

The development of Freon compounds, particularly by DuPont in the 1930s, offered significant advantages in terms of safety and efficiency compared to earlier refrigerants like ammonia and sulfur dioxide, which were toxic and flammable. Freon was non-toxic, non-flammable, and stable, making it an ideal choice for many industrial and consumer applications.

However, scientific research in the late 20th century revealed that Freon compounds were potent ozone-depleting substances. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the stratosphere and break down under ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules. This led to the formation of the ozone hole over Antarctica and a general thinning of the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation.

In response to these findings, international agreements like the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer were established to phase out the production and consumption of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. As a result, Freon-based refrigerants have largely been replaced by alternative compounds, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which have lower or no ozone-depleting potential. While Freonipohjaiset substances are still found in older equipment, their use is progressively declining due to regulatory measures and the availability of more environmentally friendly alternatives.