The Study of MIT shows illegal CFC production continues

Researchers at MIT have found that the thinning Ozone chlorofluorocarbon known as the CFC remains in the atmosphere for a smaller time than previously thought. CFCS removed globally in 2010, and research shows that they must be in the atmosphere in concentrations that are much lower than the latest measurements. This study shows that new and illegal CFC production may occur in recent years.

This study specifically shows new emissions CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113 which will represent violations of the Montréal protocol. The protocol is designed to remove the production and consumption of CFC along with chemicals that damage other ozone. This study estimates that the new global CFC-11 emissions are higher than previously reported research.

Study MIT is also the first to measure new global emissions CFC-12 and CFC-113. The author of the author of Megan Lickley said the team found the total emissions that came from new production were around 20 gigagrams a year for each of these molecules. The study also identified new emissions of CFC-12 and CFC-113, which Lickley said was previously ignored.

In the past, CFC is usually used in manufacturing refrigerants, aerosol sprays, chemical solvents, and building insulation. When they are emitted to the atmosphere, chemicals can remain in the stratosphere that interacts with ultraviolet light and releases chlorine atoms that erode the protective ozone layer around the earth. At present, most CFCs are emitted by “banks,” old refrigerators, air conditioners, and insulation produced before the prohibition.

For this study, the researchers counted the number of CFCs remaining in the current bank by developing the CFC industrial production analysis model from time to time and how fast various types of CFC equipment release. The value is then included in the current values ​​suggested for the life of the chemicals to calculate the concentration of the CFC which can be expected in the atmosphere of the atmosphere from time to time.

The team said a lifetime calculated for CFC-11, 12, and 113 each of 49 years, 85 years and eight years, compared to the current value of 52, 100 and 85 years each. Results that implicate emissions may be higher than the best estimates suggested.