THE FUTURE FOR CFCS AND CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

Emissions of man-made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) play a primary role in the observed depletion of the Earth's stratospheric ozone, as well as a secondary role in the global warming phenomenon. Environmental concerns have led to the development of regulatory controls on CFCs through the Montreal Protocol. These controls are soon to be tightened, and may result in a phase-out by the year 2000. Other chlorinated solvents such as 1.1.1 trichloroethane are likely to be drawn into the regulatory arena. This paper presents the background to this situation and considers the opportunities available to those industrial sectors that have hitherto relied on chlorinated solvents.