Which greenhouse gas is most associated with aerosol cans and refrigeration?

• A. Methane
• B. Nitrous oxide
• C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• D. Ammonia

Answer: (C)

Greenhouse gases are compounds that trap heat in the atmosphere, and some of them become strongly associated with everyday technologies. Chlorofluorocarbons fit this link particularly well because they are extremely potent at absorbing infrared radiation and they persist in the atmosphere for a very long time. They were once widely used in aerosol cans as propellants and in refrigeration systems as coolants, which is why they’re the most recognizable greenhouse gases tied to those applications. Their heat-trapping ability means even small releases add up to significant warming over time. They also caused ozone layer damage, which led to the Montreal Protocol and a shift to alternative refrigerants, though legacy CFCs and related compounds remain a long-term source of warming.