F gases and ozone depleting substances - What are they?
What are fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases)?
Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) gases are a family of chemicals that contain fluorine. Most F gases are very powerful greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming if emitted to the atmosphere. The relevant gases that fall under the EC F gas Regulation are:
| HFCs | Hydrofluorocarbons | Common uses: refrigerants in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps used in many applications such as industry, offices, retail, hospitality and cars. Other uses: aerosols, insulating foam, solvents and fire protection |
| PFCs | Perfluorocarbons | Used in semi-conductor manufacture and a few other specialised applications. |
| SF6 | Sulphur hexafluoride | Used in high voltage switch gear, for magnesium smelting processes and a few other specialised applications. |
Some manufacturing operations use F gases in the production process or produce F gases as a by-product; these more specialist uses include electronics manufacture, magnesium smelting and HCFC 22 manufacture.
What are ozone-depleting substances (ODS)?
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are chemicals that can damage the Earth’s ozone layer if they escape into the upper atmosphere. The ozone layer protects all living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. ODS include HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) which are still used widely as refrigerants in building air-conditioning and in industrial and commercial refrigeration.
What to do next?
Check our information on who is affected.
This information is managed by F-Gas Support, a Government funded team set up to provide guidance for manufacturers, operators, contractors and others that make, sell or handle F gases and ODS and associated equipment. We also help regulators promote compliance with these important environmental Regulations.
Page last modified: 24 July, 2008
Page published: 24 July 2008