0 a type of gas used especially in aerosols (= containers that force out liquids in very small drops) --
The protocol, if ratified, would commit nations to roll back emissions of six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) below 1990 levels.
With the development of the chlorofluorocarbons (along with the succeeding hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons), that came to replace the use of toxic ammonia gas, the refrigerator replaced the icebox.
Several other primary gases also include methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons.
The industry is dominated by hydrofluorocarbon interests.
We also use and permit the emission of gases, such as the refrigerant hydrofluorocarbons, that can absorb more than 3,000 times as much infrared radiation per mol as carbon dioxide.
In all, the current legislation encourages a reduction in emissions of 25 fluorinated gases – hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride – through containment, responsible use, recovery, destruction and disposal.
These estimates are based in part on assumptions about charges and leakage rates of hydrofluorocarbons from refrigeration systems in nine different refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.
The policy also states that hydrofluorocarbons should only be used where other safe, technically feasible, cost effective and environmentally acceptable alternatives do not exist.
