Eco-Friendly
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED…
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer is an international Treaty to protect the ozone layer through a scheduled phase-out of some substances.
These included Halon 1301, the historically prevalent suppression agent and model firefighter. The chlorine and bromine in its structure showed it to have high Ozone Depletion Potential(ODP) and long atmospheric lifetime
One of the earlier alternative agents, Perfluorocarbon (PFC) was introduced and, though it was not an ozone depleting substance it did have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). It was commercialized until the GWP caused it to be rejected.
The lesson was that Agent that is going to be restricted, or pulled from the market , due to its environmental properties , is not a stable or long term solution.
HFC-227ea (commonly known as FM-200) was lower in the harm to the ozone, however it is is a first generation solution that still does not fully satisfy the criteria. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s) impact on the environment has caused it to be listed for reduction (“essential use” is the international goal toward decreasing it). Long atmospheric lifetime, and high Global Warming Potential have made HFC-227ea(FM-200) a clean agent that is not the most comprehensive option.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has referred to consideration primarily for “… the overall risk to public health and the environment.”
Performance, Safety, and Environmental are the standards for Agent to be considered all-around meeting the goals.
Further Reading
Why 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid – SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental Standards and Regulations – Protection That Respects The Environment
