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Q20 (IAS/2023) Environment & Ecology β€Ί Pollution & Conservation β€Ί Ozone layer protection Official Key

Consider the following : 1. Aerosols 2. Foam agents 3. Fire retardants 4. Lubricants In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

Result
Your answer: β€”  Β·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3: Only three. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of industrial chemicals primarily used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like CFCs and HCFCs.

HFCs are extensively used in the following three sectors mentioned in the question:

  • Aerosols: HFCs serve as propellants in products like metered-dose inhalers and technical sprays.
  • Foam agents: They act as blowing agents in the manufacture of polyurethane and polystyrene foams for insulation.
  • Fire retardants: HFCs (such as HFC-227ea) are used as clean extinguishing agents in fire suppression systems where water or powder could damage sensitive equipment.

While HFCs are used in refrigeration (as coolants) and the sectors above, they are not typically used as Lubricants. Lubricants generally consist of mineral oils, synthetic oils, or greases designed to reduce friction, a function for which HFCs are chemically unsuitable. Therefore, only three of the four listed applications are correct.

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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following : 1. Aerosols 2. Foam agents 3. Fire retardants 4. Lubricants In the making of how many of the above are hydr…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 Β· 2.5/10

This is a classic 'Application of Pollutants' question. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are standard textbook material (Shankar/Majid Husain) covering HFCs as CFC substitutes. Statement 4 is the 'Common Sense Trap'β€”testing if you can distinguish between a volatile gas (HFC) and a viscous fluid (Lubricant).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the manufacture of aerosol products?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
Presence: 5/5
β€œβ€’ Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants, aerosol propeilants, solvents, and fire retardants. These chemicals were developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroi"luorocarbons (HCFCs) because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. β€’ Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs, and they are released into the atmosphere through leaks, servicing, and disposal of equipment in which they are used.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names hydrofluorocarbons as being used as aerosol propellants.
  • Also lists HFCs among common applications (refrigerants, solvents, propellants), directly linking HFCs to aerosol use.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
Presence: 4/5
β€œ\{here it is used? They are used as refrigerants, propellents in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods etc . Two-thirds of CFC is used as refrigerants while one-third is used as blowing agents in foam insulation products.”
Why this source?
  • Lists use as propellents in aerosol sprays alongside refrigerants and solvents.
  • Provides a usage-category statement that supports HFC-type gases being applied in aerosol products.
Statement 2
Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as foam blowing agents in the manufacture of foam products?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Blowing agents that are a liquid at room temperature (such as CFC-11, CFC-113, cyclopentane, HCFC-141b, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, and methyl formate) are more commonly used in polyisocyanurate, polyurethane,"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists HFC compounds among common liquid blowing agents used in polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.
  • Names specific HFCs (HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc), showing concrete use of HFCs as blowing agents.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the blowing agents used are those typically used in the indus-try, such as isobutene, propane, n-butane, neopentane, hexane and hydrofluorocarbon."
Why this source?
  • States hydrofluorocarbon as one of the typical blowing agents used in the industry.
  • Places HFCs alongside other commonly used blowing agents (hydrocarbons), indicating routine usage.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Based on additional information received from commenters, EPA's earlier understanding contained in the proposed rule that little or no HFCs are being used as foam blowing agents in polystyreneβ€”extruded sheet was incorrect."
Why this source?
  • Notes EPA's earlier incorrect understanding that little or no HFCs were being used, implying HFC use does occur.
  • Refers specifically to HFCs being used as foam blowing agents in polystyreneβ€”extruded sheet subsector.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
Strength: 4/5
β€œ\{here it is used? They are used as refrigerants, propellents in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods etc . Two-thirds of CFC is used as refrigerants while one-third is used as blowing agents in foam insulation products.”
Why relevant

States that CFCs (a class of halogenated gases) are used as foaming/blowing agents in plastic/foam manufacture and gives the general pattern of such gases being used for blowing agents.

How to extend

A student could note that if CFCs were used as blowing agents, then chemicals developed to replace CFCs (see other snippets) might also be used in the same applications and check if HFCs were adopted as replacements in foam production.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20.1. kidia phase out hcfc r4r b > p. 410
Strength: 5/5
β€œβ€’ India has successfully achieved the complete phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-R4R-B. β€’ HCFC-R4RB is a chemical used mainly as a blowing agent in tire production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams and one of the most potent ozone-depleting chemicals after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). β€’ Nearly, 50% of the consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals in the country was 'attributable to HCFC-R4R-B in the foam sector. appliances such .as refrigerators, water geysers, thermo ware, office and domestic furniture applications, specific high value niche applications etc. β€’ r HCFC-r4rb is not produced in the country and all the domestic requirements are met through imports.”
Why relevant

Gives a concrete example of an HCFC (HCFC-R4R-B) being used mainly as a blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams, showing that closely related halogenated compounds are used in foam manufacture.

How to extend

A student could infer that since HCFCs were used in foam, and HFCs are described elsewhere as replacements for CFCs/HCFCs, HFCs might have been introduced into similar foam applications and should be checked in product/manufacturer literature.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
Strength: 5/5
β€œβ€’ Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants, aerosol propeilants, solvents, and fire retardants. These chemicals were developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroi"luorocarbons (HCFCs) because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. β€’ Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs, and they are released into the atmosphere through leaks, servicing, and disposal of equipment in which they are used.”
Why relevant

Describes HFCs as chemicals developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs for various uses (refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents), establishing a replacement relationship between these families of compounds.

How to extend

A student could extend this rule by examining which specific end-uses CFCs/HCFCs had (e.g., foams) and then investigating whether HFCs were chosen as substitutes for those specific end-uses.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ozone depletion > p. 12
Strength: 4/5
β€œTe compounds of CFC gases are nontoxic, non-fammable and chemically inert gases. Tese properties make them useful for a wide range of applications including refrigerants, foaming agents, plastic manufacturing, fre extinguishing agents, solvents for freezing food, cleaners for electronic components fne retardant, solvents, aerosol propellants, and the production of foamed plastics. CFCs is widely used because of its properties like non-corrosiveness, non-infammability, low toxicity and chemical stability. CFCs cannot be eliminated from the atmosphere by the usual scavenging processes like photodissociation, oxidation and rain out. Te residence time of CFCs in the atmosphere is estimated to be between 40 to 150 years.”
Why relevant

Explains broadly that CFCs are widely used as foaming agents in the production of foamed plastics, reinforcing that halogenated fluorocarbon-type gases are suitable for such roles.

How to extend

A student can combine this with the replacement relationship (snippet 3) to hypothesize that substitute halogenated gases (like HFCs) could also serve as blowing agents and then search for technical/industry sources confirming HFC use in foams.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20. KIGALI AGREEMENT > p. 409
Strength: 3/5
β€œβ€’ The Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer held in Kigali, Rwanda amended the Montreal Protocol to phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). β€’ Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were discontinued under the Montreal Protocol when scientists realised they were destroying the ozone layer. All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing. Full”
Why relevant

Notes the Kigali Amendment specifically targets HFCs for phase-down, implying HFCs have significant industrial uses (the amendment targets their production/use), which could include sectors where CFCs/HCFCs had been used.

How to extend

A student could use knowledge of which sectors were targeted under earlier Montreal Protocol controls (e.g., foam sector) to check whether Kigali's HFC controls cover foam-blowing applications.

Statement 3
Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the formulation or production of fire retardants?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
Presence: 5/5
β€œβ€’ Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants, aerosol propeilants, solvents, and fire retardants. These chemicals were developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroi"luorocarbons (HCFCs) because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. β€’ Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs, and they are released into the atmosphere through leaks, servicing, and disposal of equipment in which they are used.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists hydrofluorocarbons as being used as fire retardants.
  • Links HFCs to common industrial uses (refrigerants, propellants, solvents) and fire-retardant applications, showing direct relevance.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
Presence: 4/5
β€œ\{here it is used? They are used as refrigerants, propellents in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods etc . Two-thirds of CFC is used as refrigerants while one-third is used as blowing agents in foam insulation products.”
Why this source?
  • Describes halogenated fluorocarbon-type compounds being used as fire extinguishing agents and related industrial roles.
  • Supports the broader pattern that fluorocarbon chemicals are employed in fire-control applications.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ozone depletion > p. 12
Presence: 3/5
β€œTe compounds of CFC gases are nontoxic, non-fammable and chemically inert gases. Tese properties make them useful for a wide range of applications including refrigerants, foaming agents, plastic manufacturing, fre extinguishing agents, solvents for freezing food, cleaners for electronic components fne retardant, solvents, aerosol propellants, and the production of foamed plastics. CFCs is widely used because of its properties like non-corrosiveness, non-infammability, low toxicity and chemical stability. CFCs cannot be eliminated from the atmosphere by the usual scavenging processes like photodissociation, oxidation and rain out. Te residence time of CFCs in the atmosphere is estimated to be between 40 to 150 years.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that CFCs and related fluorocarbon compounds have been used as fire extinguishing agents and in fire-retardant roles.
  • Provides historical context that halogenated fluorocarbons are used for fire protection, strengthening the link to HFC-class uses.
Statement 4
Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the manufacture or formulation of lubricants?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
Strength: 4/5
β€œβ€’ Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants, aerosol propeilants, solvents, and fire retardants. These chemicals were developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroi"luorocarbons (HCFCs) because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. β€’ Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs, and they are released into the atmosphere through leaks, servicing, and disposal of equipment in which they are used.”
Why relevant

States HFCs are used as solvents and aerosol propellants β€” indicating they have industrial solvent applications.

How to extend

A student could check whether solvents used in lubricant formulation include fluorinated solvents or only hydrocarbon/petroleum-derived solvents.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
Strength: 4/5
β€œ\{here it is used? They are used as refrigerants, propellents in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods etc . Two-thirds of CFC is used as refrigerants while one-third is used as blowing agents in foam insulation products.”
Why relevant

Lists uses of CFC/HFC-type chemicals as solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components β€” showing these fluorinated compounds function as specialty industrial fluids.

How to extend

One could compare lists of specialty fluids used in metal/electronic processing with typical lubricant additives or carrier fluids to see overlap.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Greenhouse gases (GHGS) > p. 426
Strength: 3/5
β€œβ€’ The atmospheric gases responsible for causing global warming and climate change. The major GHGs are carbon dioxide (COfi), methane (CHfi) and nitrous oxide (N﬎). β€’ Less prevalent -- but very powerful -- greenhouse gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SFfl).”
Why relevant

Identifies HFCs as powerful greenhouse gases used across industries β€” implying broad industrial use beyond refrigeration.

How to extend

This supports investigating industrial sectors where HFCs are used to see if lubricant manufacture/formulation is among them.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > The uses of oil > p. 271
Strength: 4/5
β€œOur 'machine age' with its high-speed machines would grind to a standstill if lubricants were not available. 3. As a vital source of power. Vast amounts of mineral oil are being burnt daily in heaters, boilers and furnaces to provide power in factories and to generate thermal electricity. Its great calorific capacity and its convenience for handling and transporting has made petroleum the most extensively used fuel. 4. The many uses of its by-products. Kerosene has long been a domestic fuel for cooking, lighting and heating. Bitumen or asphalt is used for roofing, road-surfacing and water-proofing purposes. Paraffin and wax are used as illuminants and lubricants and for the manufacture of candles, seals and polishes”
Why relevant

Explains that lubricants (and paraffin/wax) are petroleum by-products β€” showing the common source and chemistry of conventional lubricants.

How to extend

A student could use this to judge whether fluorinated gases (HFCs) β€” chemically different and gaseous at STP β€” are likely to be primary lubricant base stocks versus specialty additives.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Petroleum > p. 9
Strength: 4/5
β€œPetroleum is an important source of energy which is much in demand to accelerate the economic development. Apart from an important fuel resource, it provides lubricants and raw materials for a number of chemical industries. Its products include kerosene, diesel, petrol, aviation-fuel, synthetic rubber, synthetic-fibre, thermoplastic resins, benzene-methansol, polystertene, acrylates, detergents, aromatics, gasoline, carbon-black, dyes, colours, foodcolours, pigments, explosives, printing ink, film-photography, greases, cosmetics, paints, lubricant oils, paraffin, and wax. Crude oil is obtained mainly from the sedimentary rocks of marine origin. All Sedimentary rocks, however, donot contain crude-oil. In India, crude oil is found in the sedimentary rocks of the Tertiary period (Fig.”
Why relevant

Notes petroleum provides lubricants and raw materials for many chemical industries β€” reinforcing that most lubricants are hydrocarbon-based.

How to extend

Use this to assess whether the typical feedstock/chemistry of lubricants aligns with fluorinated HFCs or suggests HFCs would be uncommon in bulk lubricant formulation.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently asks for the 'Applications' of environmental pollutants (e.g., Fly Ash, Nano-particles, Biochar). The pattern is always: 3 standard uses found in books + 1 plausible-sounding but chemically incorrect use to test your scientific aptitude.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Doable but Tricky. Statements 1, 2, 3 are direct hits from Shankar IAS (Chapter 17/19). Statement 4 is the eliminator.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Montreal Protocol & Kigali Amendment' theme. Don't just memorize the treaty; memorize the *industrial sectors* it disrupts (Refrigeration, Fire Safety, Foams).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize uses of other 'Kyoto Basket' gases: SF6 (High-voltage switchgear/insulators), PFCs (Semiconductor manufacturing/Aluminum smelting), NF3 (LCD screens/Solar panels), and Black Carbon (Tires/Inks).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Apply 'Functional Logic' over rote learning. HFCs replaced CFCs. What did CFCs do? They cooled things and sprayed things. Did they lubricate engines? No. Therefore, HFCs likely don't either.
Concept hooks from this question
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Uses of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
πŸ’‘ The insight

HFCs are employed as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and solvents in industrial and consumer products.

High-yield for environmental and industrial chemistry questions; links greenhouse gases to specific product uses and helps answer questions about sources, regulations and mitigation measures. Useful for questions on technology substitution and sectoral emission sources.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the manufacture of aerosol products?"
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ HFCs as Replacements for CFCs/HCFCs
πŸ’‘ The insight

HFCs were developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.

Important for questions on the evolution of chemical substitutes, ozone protection policy and trade-offs (ozone-safe but potent greenhouse gases). Connects to topics on environmental treaties and technology transition.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20. KIGALI AGREEMENT > p. 409
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the manufacture of aerosol products?"
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Kigali Amendment β€” HFC Phase-down
πŸ’‘ The insight

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol mandates reduction of HFC use globally.

Crucial for policy and governance questions on international climate agreements; helps answer questions on global timelines, commitments and national implications for refrigerants and aerosol product regulation.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20. KIGALI AGREEMENT > p. 409
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20. KIGALI AGREEMENT > p. 410
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the manufacture of aerosol products?"
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Uses of halogenated refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Halogenated refrigerants are deployed across refrigeration, aerosol propellants, solvents, fire protection and related industrial applications, so knowing their common uses helps assess whether a given chemical class serves as a blowing/foaming agent.

High-yield for UPSC environment and contemporary policy questions: links technical usage to impacts (ozone/climate) and regulation. Helps answer questions on sectoral emissions, substitutes and technology shifts (e.g., refrigerants vs. foam agents). Enables cross-topic answers connecting chemistry, industry and environmental policy.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ozone depletion > p. 12
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as foam blowing agents in the manufacture of ..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Kigali Amendment and HFC phase-down
πŸ’‘ The insight

The Kigali Amendment targets reductions in HFC production and use because HFCs are potent greenhouse gases used in many applications formerly supplied by ozone-depleting substances.

Essential for questions on international environmental agreements and climate policy; explains why particular chemical classes attract multilateral regulation. Useful for essays and mains answers linking UN treaty mechanisms to domestic policy and industry impacts.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20. KIGALI AGREEMENT > p. 409
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > KIGALI AMENDMENT > p. 602
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as foam blowing agents in the manufacture of ..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Foam blowing agents and ozone-depleting substances (CFCs/HCFCs)
πŸ’‘ The insight

CFCs and HCFCs were widely used as blowing agents in foam manufacturing and were significant contributors to ozone depletion, prompting replacement efforts.

Important for questions on historical causes of ozone depletion, industrial sources of emissions, and the rationale for technology substitution. Helps frame answers on sector-specific phase-outs and alternatives in manufacturing (e.g., rigid PU foam sector).

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.20.1. kidia phase out hcfc r4r b > p. 410
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as foam blowing agents in the manufacture of ..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S3
πŸ‘‰ Uses of HFCs in industry
πŸ’‘ The insight

HFCs serve as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents and are used in fire-retardant applications.

High-yield for questions on industrial chemical applications and environmental policy; links to technology, manufacturing and regulatory trade-offs. Knowing HFC end-uses helps answer questions on mitigation priorities and alternatives to ozone-depleting substances.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances: > p. 257
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the formulation or production of fire reta..."
πŸŒ‘ The Hidden Trap

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6). It is often listed alongside HFCs in climate texts. Its specific, high-value use is in 'Electrical Switchgear' and 'Circuit Breakers' due to its high dielectric strength. Expect a question linking SF6 to the Power Sector.

⚑ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'State of Matter' heuristic. HFCs are gases or highly volatile liquids (used for cooling or blowing foam). Lubricants must be viscous, stable fluids (oils/greases) to reduce friction. A volatile gas makes a terrible lubricant. Thus, 'Lubricants' is the odd one out -> Answer is 'Only three'.

πŸ”— Mains Connection

Connect HFCs to Economy & Infrastructure (Mains GS3). The HFC phase-down (Kigali Amendment) directly impacts India's 'Cold Chain Infrastructure' (food security) and the 'India Cooling Action Plan' (energy security). It is a trade-off between climate goals and agricultural logistics.

βœ“ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS Β· 2012 Β· Q42 Relevance score: 2.42

Consider the following statements : Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used 1. in the production of plastic foams 2. in the production of tubeless tyres 3. in cleaning certain electronic components 4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS Β· 2004 Β· Q56 Relevance score: -1.78

Consider the following statements: 1. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers. 2. Quicklime is used in the manufacture of glass. 3. Gypsum is used in the manufacture of Plaster of Paris. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

NDA-I Β· 2008 Β· Q15 Relevance score: -3.10

Which one of the following chemicals is used in foam fire extinguishers?

IAS Β· 2025 Β· Q45 Relevance score: -3.22

Consider the following substances: 1. Ethanol 2. Nitroglycerine 3. Urea Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them?

CAPF Β· 2008 Β· Q113 Relevance score: -3.31

Consider the following statements : 1. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers. 2. Quick lime is used in the manufacture of glass. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?