Fluorinated Ozone-Depleting Gases Tracked by TRI
The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) list of 24 compounds below contains 16 hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), 7 chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and 1 halide. All these compounds on the TRI list have ozone depleting potentials. Combined they release millions of pounds of fluoride each year into the environment. Enviropedia gives this definition for HCFCs with the caveat that many of those listed below are included in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer:
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, commonly known as HCFCs, are a group of man-made compounds containing hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon. They are not found anywhere in nature. HCFC production began to take off after countries agreed to phase out the use of CFCs in the 1980s, which were found to be destroying the ozone layer. Like CFCs, HCFCs are used for refrigeration, aerosol propellants, foam manufacture and air conditioning. Unlike the CFCs however, most HCFCs are broken down in the lowest part of the atmosphere, and pose a much smaller risk to the ozone layer [not the ones on the list below]. Unfortunately HCFCs are also very potent greenhouse gases, despite their very low atmospheric concentrations, measured in parts per trillion (million million).
The following data comes from the Environmental Protection Agency’s TRI. These releases pollute our bodies, air, water, soil, and wildlife. It’s important to emphasize, especially at the community level, that not all industries or sources that release fluoride into the environment are included in the TRI.
About the Table below:
- Releases: On- and Off-site releases as reported on TRI’s forms. This amount does not include quantities of the toxic chemical that were the result of a catastrophic event, remedial action or other, one-time event not associated with production.
- Wastes: This includes the On- and Off-site Releases (above) and the sum of recycled on-site, recycled off-site, energy recovery on-site, energy recovery off-site, treated on-site, treated off-site, and quantities disposed of or otherwise released on- and off-site as reported on TRI’s forms.
- The quantities listed below change as TRI frequently updates its data. However, the changes are generally not significant.
| Year | On-site & Off-Site Releases (In pounds) |
Wastes (In pounds) |
On TRI List | Molecular Structure |
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
7,688 7,676 7,939 8,346 8,311 10,770 10,782 48,929 |
1,280,063 1,103,882 1,128,633 1,093,292 1,062,948 1,067,318 563,856 237,085 |
1-Chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 354-25-6 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C2-H-Cl-F4 This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.04. Uses: The HCFCs are used as alternatives to CFCs in applications such as refrigerants, blowing agents, cleaning agents, and fire extinguishant. /Alternatives to CFCs; Other Names: HCFC-124a
|
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
165,055 150,328 161,506 152,050 124,568 123,832 6,297,549 5,659,294 |
10,830,052 12,922,947 12,831,192 12,023,804 12,127,900 11,784,762 16,617,067 55,561,413 |
1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethaneA haloalkane, belongs to the hydrochlorofluorocarbon family CAS No. 75-68-3 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C2-H3-Cl-F2 This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.065. Uses: HCFC-142b has mainly been used as a blowing agent for polystyrene and polyethylene foam. It is also used as an aerosol propellant and refrigerant. In some cases, it is used as a mixture with another fluorocarbon. Production of HCFC-142b for use as a blowing agent will finish at the end of 2009 in Japan. (Ref: Daikin Product Information) Other Names: HCFC-142b, Freon 142, Freon 142b, CFC 142b, and more Health Effects: Suspected Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
8,752 10,038 11,048 42,191 68,101 116,717 705,857 7,753,342 |
358,660 271,504 274,461 337,575 349,342 440,348 1,715,785 11,739,978 |
1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethaneA haloalkane, belongs to the hydrochlorofluorocarbon family CAS No. 1717-00-6 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C2-H3-Cl2-F Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant. Uses: Blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams (used largely for insulation purposes). Blowing agent in integral skin foams (used for example in manufacture of soles of shoes, but also internal parts of automobiles such as dashboards, steering wheels etc.) Blowing agent for phenolic foam (minor use). Significant use in solvent applications for purposes such as lubricants, coatings and cleaning fluids for aircraft maintenance and electrical, electronic or photographic equipment, mould release agents, document preservation sprays. Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.11. Other Names: HCFC-141b, Freon-141, R-141b |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA |
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA |
1,1-Dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropaneA hydrofluorocarbon used primarily for closed-cell spray foam insulation produced by Honeywell and in Asia by Sinochem Added to TRI in 1995 CAS No 13474-88-9 Molecular Formula: C3-H-Cl2-F5 This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.07. Other Names: HCFC-225cc, 1,1-Dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
10 10 10 10 10 0 0 27,200 |
10 10 10 10 10 0 0 35,550 |
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloro-2-FluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No 354-11-0 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C2-H-Cl4-F Also known as HCFC 121-a This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.04. |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
23,583 16,586 24,586 29,580 30,585 20,578 10,094 9,285 |
383,541 295,584 334,542 212,850 334,229 285,872 257,416 718,754 |
1,2-Dichloro-1,1-difluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No.1649-08-7 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C2-H2-Cl2-F2 This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.02. Use: potential substitute for some ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons, Refrigerant Other Names: HCFC-132b |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
18,393 44,476 98,738 106,067 116,883 111,549 132,813 108,518 |
436,507 561,854 857,861 1,624,696 1,999,258 2,485,451 813,739 108,518 |
1,2-Dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 354-23-4 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C2-H-Cl2-F3 This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.06. Uses: Drug / Therapeutic Agent. A potential alternative to replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. Other Names: HCFC 123a |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
33,630 41,691 41,034 44,787 40,681 43,551 53,133 77,750 |
44,132 3,699,796 3,728,022 3,411,588 3,331,015 3,546,077 2,040,185 391,100 |
2-Chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 75-88-7 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C2-H2-Cl-F3 Health Effect: Suspected Carcinogen. This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.06. Uses: Blowing agent, refrigerant, and chemical intermediate Note: Volatile metabolite of halothane. Other Names & Synonyms: Freon 133a, HCFC 133a |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
184,671 242,715 307,364 394,180 443,492 449,473 776,276 580,418 |
806,590 706,106 860,897 1,026,107 1,410,454 1,105,067 1,693,328 1,508,240 |
2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 2837-89-0 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C-Cl3-F Uses: Refrigerant mixture component in some drop-in replacements. Some heat pumps. Some special air conditioning equipment. Component of some sterilant mixtures. Minor use as a fire extinguishant. Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.022. Other Names & Synonyms: HCFC-124, Monochlorotetrafluoroethane |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
138,823 165,670 135,355 209,991 122,402 169,331 134,835 131,723 |
4,733,191 5,345,031 5,511,368 5,378,411 5,277,612 5,454,449 1,508,812 145,394 |
2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 306-83-2 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C2-H-Cl2-F3 Uses: Low-pressure refrigerant in large air conditioning chillers (centrifugal chillers). Refrigerants for deep mines; Portable fire extinguishers in applications such as used in telecommunication facilities, computer rooms, office buildings, retail facilities, libraries, art galleries, warehouses, industrial facilities, rail cars, automobiles, automobile racing, delivery trucks, long- and short-haul trucks, power generation plants, commercial shipping, pleasure craft, airport gates and airport ramps, military. Very minor use as an ingredient in specialty solvents. Feedstock for pharmaceutical and agricultural products. HCFC-123 will eventually be phased out under the current schedule of the Montreal Protocol, but can continue to be used in new HVAC equipment until 2020 in developed countries, and will still be produced for service use of HVAC equipment until 2030. Developing countries can use in new equipment until 2030, and can be produced for use in service until 2040. Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.02. Other Names & Synonyms: Freon 123, HCFC-123 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
174 172 169 169 169 0 0 0 |
47,632 44,321 28,398 32,553 33,129 0 0 0 |
3-Chloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 460-35-5 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C3-H4-Cl-F3 Health Effect: Suspected Neurotoxicant. This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.03. Other Names: Freon 253, HCFC-253fb |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
2,773 4,330 5,322 3,756 6,003 26,699 18,050 18,693 |
155,144 195,475 203,224 154,094 136,323 235,801 190,839 32,744 |
3,3-Dichloro-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 422-56-0 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C3-H-Cl2-F5 Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.025. at 40 CFR 82.15 prohibit introduction into interstate commerce of virgin HCFCs for solvent uses, beginning January 1, 2015.
Uses: Speciality solvent in the manufacture and maintenance of high-value electrical, precision, and optical equipment in aerospace, military and specialized industry applications (e.g. precision inertial guidance systems, and oxygen components and piping systems in aircraft carriers and hospital ships). Cleaning some implantable or surgical medical devices and plastic medical equipment that are not compatible with other solvents. See Other Names: HCFC-225ca |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
3,344 3,126 1,594 3,277 1,977 705 1,135 2,737 |
279,785 134,496 157,656 3,277 45,477 705 48,994 246,126 |
BromochlorodifluoromethaneA haloalkane and chlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 353-59-3 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C-Br-Cl-F2 This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 2 of Annex A after January 1, 1994.” Health Effect: Suspected Neurotoxicant. Use: Flame Retardants See other names: Freon 12B1, Halon 1211 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
9,150 10,328 4,717 6,850 7,129 12,745 9,947 27,889 |
592,895 776,637 440,016 121,572 144,025 119,198 148,720 237,085 |
BromotrifluoromethaneCAS No. 75-63-8 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C-Br-F3 This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 2 of Annex A after January 1, 1994.” This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 10. Health Effect: Suspected Neurotoxicant. Uses: … As commercial and military fire extinguishant; … as a refrigerant for food processing and storage; … as a blowing agent to improve flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams. Alsos see Wikipedia on the history. Other Names: Freon 13B1, Halon 1301 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
1,574,957 1,598,964 1,723,306 2,323,582 3,215,315 3,693,165 6,825,549 8,202,449 |
3,864,590 2,757,591 3,204,577 3,593,354 4,808,164 5,333,264 10,269,801 11,006,911 |
ChlorodifluoromethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 75-45-6 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C-H-Cl-F2 Uses: Refrigerant gas. Feedstock used for the production of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene plastic) Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.055. Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant, Developmental Toxicant, Endocrine Toxicant, Kidney Toxicant, Respiratory Toxicant. Many other Names, such as Monochlorodifluoromethane, Freon 22, HCFC 22 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
1,828 163 161 13,911 32,038 22,983 7,004 17,106 |
98,329 100,082 106,320 109,210 131,297 154,259 100,100 92,265 |
Chlorotrifluoromethane (CFC 13)A chlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 75-72-9 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C-Cl-F3 This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Groups 1, 2 and 3 of Annex B after January 1, 1996.” This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 1. Many other names: Freon 13, CFC-13, see more |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
44,511 25,915 53,799 74,077 109,732 123,525 121,184 553,117 |
517,457 392,675 236,509 126,555 206,020 313,704 857,294 1,335,519 |
DichlorodifluoromethaneCAS No. 75-71-8 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C-Cl2-F2 This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 1 of Annex A after January 1, 1996.” Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant, Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Respiratory Toxicant, Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant. Uses: Refrigerant, Pharmaceutic Aid (Aerosol Propellant) Other Names & Synonyms: Freon 12, CFC 12 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
780 1,040 269 281 1,057 1,825 1,845 170,960 |
780 1,040 25,228 47,052 41,444 11,593 30,018 215,773 |
DichlorofluoromethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 75-43-4 Added to TRI in 1995 Molecular formula: C-H-Cl2-F Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.04. Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Reproductive Toxicant. Many other names: Freon 21, HCFC 21, see more names |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
46,597 65,725 141,625 269,423 272,573 369,124 441,800 917,863 |
3,235,893 4,188,160 4,190,383 5,961,620 6,665,232 4,782,517 3,249,899 1,254,990 |
Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC 114)CAS No. 76-14-2 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C2-Cl2-F4 Uses: Pharmaceutic Aid (Aerosol Propellant), Refrigerant This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 1 of Annex A after January 1, 1996.” Other Names: Cryofluorane, R-114 Health Effect: Suspected Neurotoxicant |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
200 0 0 9 448 804 728 0 |
200 0 0 9 31,310 804 728 0 |
DichlorotrifluoroethaneA hydrochlorofluorocarbon CAS No. 34077-87-7 Added to TRI in 1994 Molecular formula: C2-H-Cl2-F3 Ozone depleter & Global Warming potential This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 0.06. Other Name: HCFC 123 |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
507,934 381,808 564,057 459,316 629,251 458,133 551,998 746,159 |
339,923,699 342,371,415 306,595,160 297,041,027 314,783,840 294,604,361 3,181,467 2,035,532 |
Freon 113 (Trichlorotrifluoroethane)CAS No. 76-13-1 Added to TRI’s original list in 1988 Molecular formula: C2-Cl3-F3 This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 1 of Annex A after January 1, 1996.” Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant, Respiratory Toxicant. Uses: It has been used as a cooling agent in refrigerants and air conditioners, aerosol propellant, and a cleansing agent for electrical and electronic components. CFC-113 is one of the three most popular CFCs, along with CFC-11 and CFC-12 and saw much use in its time. CFC-113 is a refrigerant used in cooling systems. CFC-113 also is a very volatile and apolar molecule so it was used as a foaming agent in the production of packaging material, insulation, foams for cushioning, and things like shoe soles. CFC-113 has such a low flammability and low toxicity that it was also used as a cleaner for delicate electrical equipment, fabrics, and even metals Many Other Names: CFC 113, 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, Trichlorotrifluoroethane |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
10,783 21,475 25,502 29,209 32,714 21,640 151,592 61,454 |
452,663 564,882 589,809 543,375 540,209 542,759 727,174 75,944 |
Monochloropentafluoroethane (CFC-115)CAS No. 76-15-3 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: 2-Cl-F5 Other Names: CFC-115, Freon 115, Chloroperfluoroethane, and more This ozone depleting substance belongs to Group 1 of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 1 of Annex A after January 1, 1996.” Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant. |
|
| 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2005 2000 |
218,964 150,591 203,346 158,116 176,810 131,144 248,049 306,023 |
392,137 539,962 771,530 460,847 693,055 561,942 1,393,044 1,804,287 |
Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC 11)CAS No. 75-69-4 Added to TRI in 1991 Molecular formula: C-H-Cl-F2 Uses: Refrigerant, aerosol propellant This ozone depleting substance belongs to this Group of the Montreal Protocol which states: “stop consumption or production of chemicals on Group 1 of Annex A after January 1, 1996.” Health Effects: Suspected Neurotoxicant, Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant, Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Respiratory Toxicant, Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant. This chemical has an ozone depleting potential of 1. Many other Names & Synonyms, Trichloromonofluoromethane, Freon 11, 11A, 11B |
Health Effects. The following TRI substances, listed below, have been identified as suspected neurotoxicants:
- 1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b, Freon-141)
- 3-Chloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropane (HCFC-253fb, Freon 253)
- Bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211, Freon 12B1)
- Bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301, Freon 13B1)
- Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC 22, Freon 22)
- Dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12, Freon 12)
- Dichlorofluoromethane (HCFC 21, Freon 21)
- Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC 114)
- Freon 113 (Trichlorotrifluoroethane, CFC 113)
- Monochloropentafluoroethane (CFC-115)
- Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC 11)
There are 8 Ozone Depleters in the TRI, listed below, that are being used in the U.S. in contravention of the Montreal Protocol, which the U.S. ratified in 1988. The Montreal Protocol states that the following ozone depleters should not be used or produced:
- Bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211) – not to be used after 1994
- Bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301) – not to be used after 1994
- Chlorotrifluoromethane (CFC 13) – not to be used 1996
- Dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC 12) – not to be used after 1996
- Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC 114) – not to be used after 1996
- Freon 113 (Trichlorotrifluoroethane, CFC 113)) – not to be used after 1996
- Monochloropentafluoroethane (CFC-115) – not to be used after 1996
- Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC 11) – not to be used after 1996
The reasons why the U.S. is not in compliance may be due to their requests for Critical Use Exemptions as this 1992 definition explains in the Montreal Protocol:
Use of a controlled substance should qualify as essential only if:
- It is necessary for health, safety or is critical for the functioning of society (encompassing cultural and intellectual aspects); and
- There are no available technically and economically feasible alternatives or substitutes that are acceptable from the standpoint of environment and health. Production and consumption, if any, of controlled substances for essential uses should be permitted only if:
- All economically feasible steps have been taken to minimize the essential use and any associated emission of the controlled substance; and
- The controlled substance is not available in sufficient quantity and quality from existing stocks of banked or recycled controlled substances, also bearing in mind the developing countries’ need for controlled substances
Very little information on health effects is available. Up to 1991 very little was known about the metabolism and toxicity of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (Anders, 1991). A 1995 study reported inorganic fluoride metabolites in HCFC-131a, HCFC-132b, HCFC-133a (Yin et al, 1995); Dekant et al. reported HCFC-123a metabolized to inorganic fluoride; increased fluoride was found in the urine of rats exposed to HCFC-124 (Brashear et al, 1992); also WHO, 1992.
________________TRADE SECRET CHEMICAL – 1,552
Print 
PDF