Freon

Freon is a trivial designation of compounds from the group of halogen derivatives that contain at least 2 types of halogen substituents, one of which is fluorine (F). This is the unofficial name for a group of chemical compounds known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). They are organic compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine and sometimes hydrogen atoms. Freons have been developed in the past and widely used in various industries, especially as refrigerants.

Freons were used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps and other cooling systems. They can have excellent cooling properties and have been considered safe and effective refrigerants.

However, in the 1970s and 1980s, CFCs were found to have harmful effects on the environment. Since they are very stable and not easily decomposed, they can evaporate and reach the upper layers of the atmosphere, where they react with ozone molecules and contribute to their decay. This process damages the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

In connection with this, an international agreement known as the Montreal Protocol was created, which committed to the gradual phase-out and restriction of the use of CFCs. Currently, the use of CFCs is restricted or banned in many countries and has been replaced by greener alternatives such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which have lower or no negative impact on the ozone layer.