Impact to USAF from National and International Restrictions on Use of Ozone-Depleting Substances

摘要

The objective of this project was to assess the impact on the U.S. Air Force(USAF) of national and international restrictions on the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other substances believed to contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol (a United Nations agreement) and the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 place restrictions on the production and use of CFCs and halons with eventual phaseout of production by the year 2000. CFCs are widely used as refrigerants, cleaning solvents, sterilants, foam-blowing agents, and aerosol propellants. Halons are used primarily as fire and explosion suppression agents. The USAF uses CFCs and halons extensively in a variety of ways, many of which are critical to combat operations and capabilities. This project provides an assessment of the technologies for replacements or alternatives to the CFCs and halons being phased out and the resultant impact on USAF mission capabilities. Recommendations are made for actions necessary to mitigate the impact of CFC and halon production and use restrictions.