Question from R.M.
Something I’ve wondered about and which I’m hoping you can shed some light on:
It’s my understanding that aerosol spray cans were targetted several years ago as a key culprit in the ozone layer depletion. And yet, they are still very much in use. Am I incorrect in my understanding of their impact on the environment? Was the technology changed? Or was nothing done despite their environmental impact?
I avoid aerosol cans as much as possible (almost 100% of the time) but would like to know more about this.
Debra’s Answer
The EPA banned the use of CFC propellants in 1978. An exception was made for some asthma inhalers, but even they will be CFC-free by December 31, 2008.
Here are a couple of links to explore for more answers to your question.
Aerosols and the Environment has more information on CFCs and recycling aerosol cans.
How Aerosol Cans Work shows how aerosol cans are made.
Even though today’s aerosol cans for the most part do not contain CFCs, the liquid gas that acts as a propellant is still a petrochemical, and mixes with the substance being propelled. Many propellant gasses are also flammable, posing yet another danger.
Even if you use an “environmentally-friendly” propellent, aerosols produce a very fine mist, which makes whatever you are propelling more easily absorbed by eyes and lungs.
