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Chlorofluorocarbon
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are organic and synthetic (i.e., human-made) chemicals consisting of carbon, chlorine and fluorine. They are hydrocarbon derivatives where all hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine and fluorine atoms. CFCs are found in numerous applications: refrigerants (refrigeration, air-conditioning), solvents, foam blowing agents (flexible and rigid foams), and others.
CFCs have ozone-depleting potential (ODP); thus, it is identified as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS).
Canada is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which requires Parties to gradually phase-out production and consumption of ODS, as well as reduce and eliminate trade in these substances. Since January 1st, 1996, the manufacture, import and export of CFCs has been prohibited in Canada, except for use as feedstock, as analytical standards, or essential uses.
Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol)
There is more than one CAS number that applies to this group of substances.
Risk Assessment
- CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances.
- Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
Source(s)
This substance is entering the environment from the following source(s):
Risk Management Tool(s)
Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
- Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003
- Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998
- Environmental Code of Practice for Elimination of Fluorocarbon Emissions from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
- National Action Plan for the Environmental Control of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) and their Halocarbon Alternatives
- Canada's Strategy to Accelerate the Phase-Out of CFC and Halon Uses and to Dispose of the Surplus Stocks
Other Information
- Stratospheric Ozone - Information Centre
- National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) - Information Centre
Contact
Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
E-mail: substances@ec.gc.ca
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