Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
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- A group of human-made chemicals composed of carbon and fluorine only. These chemicals (predominantly CF4 and C2F6) were introduced as alternatives, along with hydrofluorocarbons, to the ozone depleting substances. In addition, PFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. PFCs do not harm the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases: CF4 has a global warming potential (GWP) of 5,700 and C2F6 has a GWP of 11,900. The GWP is from the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (TAR). See ozone depleting substance.
EPA - Cite This Source - This Definition - A group of human-made chemicals composed of carbon and fluorine only. These chemicals (predominantly CF4 and C2 6) were introduced as alternatives, along with hydrofluorocarbons, to the ozone depleting substances. In addition, PFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. PFCs do not harm the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases: CF4 has a global warming potential (GWP) of 6,500 and C2 6 has a GWP of 9,200. See ozone depleting substance.
EPA - Cite This Source - This Definition - Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorofluorocarbons, Fluorocarbons, Freon, Greenhouse Gas, Greenhouse Gas (GHG), Halocarbons, Halons, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Methyl bromide (CH\<sub\>3\</sub\>Br), Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)