NASA warns against climate warming potential of HFCs
[ added 19 November, 2009 ]
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Researchers from Purdue University and NASA have confirmed that substances containing fluorine like HFCs are the most powerful global warming agents. The study also warns against their powerful cumulative climate impact over time. BeyondHFCs welcomes the findings of the study and calls upon policy makers to take it into account and face up to the urgency of moving to fluorine-free solutions.
A new study published in the latest special edition of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Physical Chemistry presents the results of research conducted by Purdue University and NASA. They warn that because of the presence of fluorine atoms, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) trap radiation in the atmospheric window. This makes these gases stand out in their warming potential. ‘Identifying the Molecular Origin of Global Warming` confirms findings of other recent studies, stressing the urgency of moving away from fluorine-containing gases, including the so-called Velders report and a more recent study co-authored by Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Molina.
Fluorine atoms the decisive factor in making effective global warming agents
“The fluorine atoms that characterise the chemicals [such as HFCs and CFCs] are highly electro-negative and tend to pull electrons to themselves”, Francisco said. “This shift makes the molecules more efficient at absorbing radiation, which would normally bleed harmlessly into space”. As a result, the fluorine-containing compounds are the most effective global warming agents, the study concludes.
Fluorine-containing compounds might have a powerful cumulative effect
The compounds also persist longer than carbon dioxide and other major global warming agents, said Lee, chief of the Space Science and Astrobiology Division at NASA Ames Research Center. The concern is that, even if emitted into the atmosphere in lower quantities, the chemicals might have a powerful cumulative effect over time. Some of these chemicals don't break down for thousands of years.
BeyondHFCs calls on policy makers to take into consideration this growing collection of scientific evidence and take fast action to phase-out fluorine-containing substances such as HFCs.
