Fluorocarbon Industry Contributes $158 Billion To U.S. Economy

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy (Alliance), an industry coalition, today released a report detailing that the U.S. fluorocarbon industry's total annual sale of goods and services amounts to $158 billion. 

"The role of fluorocarbons in both stratospheric ozone protection and global climate change has generated a need for governments, policymakers, and scientists to understand the scope of the industry, usage patterns, business sector volumes, and their value to society," stated Dave Stirpe, Alliance Executive Director.

The products analyzed by the study include hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and the products that contain or are manufactured with the compounds such as air conditioning, refrigeration, foam insulation, and metered dose inhalers.  The value to the U.S. economy is rounded out by the value of the wholesale, installation, and maintenance activities – as well as recovery, recycling, reclamation, and destruction of used refrigerants and foam blowing agents.

"These compounds and the products utilizing HCFCs and HFCs contribute greatly to the quality of life while at the same time minimizing impacts on the stratospheric ozone layer and the climate," stated Stirpe.  "Over the years, industry has improved technology in food-preserving refrigeration, air conditioning in buildings and motor vehicles, insulation systems, and other products.  Businesses are working to make transitions to compounds with more environmental protection while continuing the important attributes contained in fluorocarbons such as energy efficiency, low toxicity, and non-flammability," Stirpe said.

The 39-page study, written by Joseph M. Steed, JMS Consulting, uses public data and industry information to assess the broadly-defined US fluorocarbon industry.  A copy of the study is available on the Alliance website at www.alliancepolicy.org.

For 32 years the Alliance has coordinated industry participation in the development of responsible international and U.S. government policies regarding ozone protection and climate change.  It is composed of manufacturers and businesses that rely on fluorocarbons.

SOURCE Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy