13. Freon and Air Conditioning
Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), revolutionized air conditioning by providing an efficient and non-flammable refrigerant, leading to widespread adoption of cooling systems in homes and businesses. However, it was later discovered that Freon contributes to ozone layer depletion, allowing harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach Earth’s surface. Additionally, Freon has a high global warming potential, exacerbating climate change. These environmental concerns have led to the phase-out of Freon and the development of more eco-friendly refrigerants.
