The Toxic Release Inventory for Fluorides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency manages the "Toxic Release Inventory" (commonly known as TRI) which was created to provide the public with information about releases of toxic chemicals in their community. It is an essential tool for finding information on chemicals by city, zip code, state, and year. TRI tracks Hydrogen Fluoride, Sulfuryl Fluoride, Fluorine, and other fluoride compounds.

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-tetrafluoroethane

A 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

 

2D chemical structure of 354-25-6
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-difluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 75-68-3
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-fluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 1717-00-6
 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-pentafluoropane

A 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

 2D chemical structure of 13474-88-9
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-Fluoroethane

A 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.

2D chemical structure of 354-11-0
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-difluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 1649-08-7
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-trifluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 354-23-4
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-trifluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 75-88-7
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-tetrafluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 2837-89-0
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-trifluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 306-83-2
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-trifluoropropane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 460-35-5
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-pentafluoropropane

A 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

 2D chemical structure of 422-56-0
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

Bromochlorodifluoromethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 353-59-3
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

Bromotrifluoromethane

An organic halide

CAS 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

2D chemical structure of 75-63-8
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

Chlorodifluoromethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 75-45-6
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

2D chemical structure of 75-72-9
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

Dichlorodifluoromethane

A chlorofluorocarbon

CAS 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

2D chemical structure of 75-71-8
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

Dichlorofluoromethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 75-43-4
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)

A chlorofluorocarbon

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

2D chemical structure of 76-14-2
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

Dichlorotrifluoroethane

A 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

2D chemical structure of 34077-87-7
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)

A chlorofluorocarbon

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

2D chemical structure of 76-13-1
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)

A chlorofluorocarbon

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.

2D chemical structure of 76-15-3
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)

A chlorofluorocarbon

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

2D chemical structure of 75-69-4

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.

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