Fluorinated gases

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are chemical compounds containing fluorine that are gases near room temperature. The most common F-gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. They are used in a multitude of applications including commercial refrigeration, industrial refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, heat pump equipment, and as blowing agents for foams, fire extinguishants, aerosol propellants, and solvents. HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) has grown to become the most abundant HFC in earth's atmosphere as of year 2015. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are the compounds consisting of fluorine and carbon. They are widely used in the electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in refrigeration when combined with other gases. PFCs were commonly used as fire extinguishants in the past and are still found in older fire protection systems. They are also a by-product of the aluminium smelting process. PFC-14 (Carbon tetrafluoride - CF4) has grown to become the most abundant PFC in earth's atmosphere as of year 2015. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is used primarily as an arc suppression and insulation gas. It can be found in high-voltage switchgear and is used in the production of magnesium. Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is used primarily as an etchant for microelectronics fabrication. HFCs were developed in the 1990s to substitute for substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). As these substances were found to deplete the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol began to lay down provisions for them to be phased-out globally after the agreement was ratified in 1987. PFCs and SF6 were already in use prior to the Montreal Protocol. NF3 use has grown since the 1990s along with the rapid expansion of the microelectronics fabrication industry. F-gases are ozone-friendly, enable energy efficiency, and are relatively safe for use by the public due to their low levels of toxicity and flammability.