EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -CFCs were first synthesized in 1928 by Thomas Midgley, Jr. of General Motors, as safer chemicals for refrigerators used in large commercial appilications1. Frigidaire was issued the first patent, number 1, 886, 339, for the formula for CFCs on December 31, 1928.

Detailed explanation-2: -The potential of CFCs as a coolant began to be fulfilled in the 1950s. Huge chillers made it possible to build shopping malls, sports arenas and high-rise office buildings. Air conditioning brought comfort, business and new residents to the Sun Belt.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were developed in the US in the early 20th century and became widely used as refrigerants and for making plastic foams producing refrigerators and freezers until the early 1990s, when it was found that these chlorinated gases damaged the ozone layer.

Detailed explanation-4: -The first Chlorofluorocarbon was CFC-12, a single carbon with two chlorines and two Fluorines attached to it. Today many different CFC’s are produced and worldwide consumption in 1988 was estimated at over billion kilograms.