Which of the following is a common use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

• A. Refrigerants
• B. Personal care products
• C. Agricultural fertilizers
• D. Food coloring

Answer: (A)

CFCs were widely used as refrigerants in cooling systems because they are stable, nonflammable, and have boiling points that make efficient heat transfer possible in refrigerators and air conditioning. This made them a trusted choice for keeping food, buildings, and vehicles cool. Over time, it became clear that when CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, UV light breaks them down and releases chlorine, which destroys ozone. That environmental impact led to global action to phase them out. Among the options, refrigerants best match the well-known, common use of CFCs. They aren’t used for fertilizers or food coloring, and while they were once used as aerosol propellants in some personal care products, that’s not the primary or most common application.