Chlorofluorocarbons in the context of "Propellants"

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) is a term used by regulators to refer to fluorinated greenhouse gases. Major classes include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆). They are used in refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, fire suppression, electronics, aerospace, magnesium industry, foam, and high voltage switchgear. Their use is regulated due to their strong global warming potential.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) also contain fluorine and are often found in gas form, but are not generally described as fluorinated gases.

Bromofluorocarbons (BFCs) are molecules based on carbon, bromine, and fluorine. The most common use has traditionally been in fire suppression systems. The brand name "Halon" is frequently used interchangeably for BFCs. However, not all Halons are technically BFCs (some contain chlorine also).

BFCs attack the ozone layer even more aggressively than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and are powerful greenhouse gases, although due to shorter atmospheric lifetimes not as powerful as equivalent perfluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons. Nevertheless, BFCs are still used in some ships and aircraft, because replacements are not as effective. As production of BFCs was banned by the Montreal Protocol, remaining use depends on old inventories and on recycling.