Changes

'''Halon''' is a class of compounds consisting of [[bromine]], [[fluorine]], and [[carbon]].

'''Halon''' is a class of compounds consisting of [[bromine]], [[fluorine]], and [[carbon]].

Halons are used as [[fire]] extinguishing agents, both in built-in systems and in handheld portable [[fire extinguisher]]s. Halon production in the U.S. ended on 12/31/93 because halons contribute to [[ozone]] depletion. They cause ozone depletion because they contain [[bromine]]. Bromine is many times more effective at destroying ozone than chlorine. Despite the ban of production, the ''use'' of halons is not illegal; in fact, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] requires that all commercial aircraft use only halon in their fire extinguishing systems <ref>H3R, ''Halon FAQ''' [http://www.h3r.com/halon/faq.htm]</ref>

Halons are used as [[fire]] extinguishing agents, both in built-in systems and in handheld portable [[fire extinguisher]]s. Halon production in the U.S. ended on 12/31/93 because halons contribute to [[ozone]] depletion. They cause ozone depletion because they contain [[bromine]]. Bromine is many times more effective at destroying ozone than chlorine. Despite the ban of production, the ''use'' of halons is not illegal; in fact, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] requires that all commercial aircraft use only halon in their fire extinguishing systems <ref>[http://www.h3r.com/halon/faq.htm H3R, ''Halon FAQ''']</ref>

At the time the current U.S. tax code was adopted, the [[ozone depletion potentials]] of halon 1301 and halon 1211 were observed to be 10 and 3, respectively. These values are used for tax calculations. Recent scientific studies, however, indicate that the ODPs are at least 12 and 6, respectively.  

At the time the current U.S. tax code was adopted, the [[ozone depletion potentials]] of halon 1301 and halon 1211 were observed to be 10 and 3, respectively. These values are used for tax calculations. Recent scientific studies, however, indicate that the ODPs are at least 12 and 6, respectively.  

Note that technically all compounds containing carbon and fluorine and/or chlorine are halons, but in the context of the [[Clean Air Act]], "halon" means a fire extinguishing agent as described above.

Note that technically all compounds containing carbon and fluorine and/or chlorine are halons, but in the context of the [[Clean Air Act]], "halon" means a fire extinguishing agent as described above.

[[Category:Chemical Compounds]]

[[Category:Chemical Compounds]]