The atmospheric fate and impact of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorinated solvents

Abstract

A very considerable body of data pertaining to the atmospheric behaviour of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorinated solvents is now available and leads to the following conclusions: (a) these compounds, with the exception of 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, make a small or insignificant contribution to stratospheric ozone depletion, global warming, 'photo-chemical smog', 'acid rain', or chloride and fluoride levels in precipitation; (b) it seems highly unlikely that the chlorinated solvents degrade in the atmosphere to give chloroacetic acids as major products, as has often been claimed in the literature.