Atmosphere model

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Prior to 1978 most aerosol products contained chlorofluorocarbon propeUants. Since that time, the use of chlorinated fluorocarbons for aerosols has been seriously curtailed. These compounds have been impHcated in the depeletion of the ozone (qv) layer and are considered to be greenhouse gases (see Airpollution Atmospheric modeling). 

Selection of pollution control methods is generally based on the need to control ambient air quaUty in order to achieve compliance with standards for critetia pollutants, or, in the case of nonregulated contaminants, to protect human health and vegetation. There are three elements to a pollution problem a source, a receptor affected by the pollutants, and the transport of pollutants from source to receptor. Modification or elimination of any one of these elements can change the nature of a pollution problem. For instance, tall stacks which disperse effluent modify the transport of pollutants and can thus reduce nearby SO2 deposition from sulfur-containing fossil fuel combustion. Although better dispersion aloft can solve a local problem, if done from numerous sources it can unfortunately cause a regional one, such as the acid rain now evident in the northeastern United States and Canada (see Atmospheric models). References 3—15 discuss atmospheric dilution as a control measure. The better approach, however, is to control emissions at the source. 

Disposal. Fluorine can be disposed of by conversion to gaseous perfluorocarbons or fluoride salts. Because of the long atmospheric lifetimes of gaseous perfluorocarbons (see Atmospheric models), disposal by conversion to fluoride salts is preferred. The following methods are recommended scmbbing with caustic solutions (115,116) reaction with soHd disposal agents such as alumina, limestone, lime, and soda lime (117,118) and reaction with superheated steam (119). Scmbbing with caustic solution and, for dilute streams, reaction with limestone, are practiced on an industrial scale. 

See Airpollution Atmospheric models Fluorine compounds, organic-fluorinated aliphatic compounds Ozone. 

The popularity of aerosols has been declining. A widely used group of propellants, the fluorinated hydrocarbons, have been restricted in use since it was found that they can harm the environment by reducing the o2one layer of the upper atmosphere (see AiRPOLLUTlON ATMOSPHERIC MODELING Ozone). 

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