Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)

Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) are composed of molecules containing one, two or three carbon atoms and at least one atom each of hydrogen, bromine and fluorine. Although HBFCs were produced and used in Canada for experimental purposes in the past, they have never been produced or used commercially.

As HBFCs were found to deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, they became subject to a global phase-out under an international agreement: the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

In Canada, HBFCs are subject to the Ozone Depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, which prohibit the production, import and export of HBFCs, except for very limited and specific applications.

Risk Assessment

• CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances.
• Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy

Risk Management Tool(s)

Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2022
• Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations

International engagement

• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Other Information

• Ozone layer

Contact

Ozone Protection Programs
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Telephone: 819-938-4228
Email: halocarbures-halocarbons@ec.gc.ca