Pure and Applied Chemistry

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.