UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

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?

Explanation:

• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of industrial chemicals primarily used for cooling and refrigeration. HFCs were developed to replace stratospheric ozone-depleting substances that are currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
  
  

• HFCs are entirely man-made. They are primarily produced for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, insulating foams and aerosol propellants, with minor uses as solvents and for fire protection. HFCs are not used for making lubricants. So, points 1, 2 and 3 are correct and point 4 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Miscellaneous(s&t)