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Scientists in panic! Deadly synthetic gas, 3.500 times more powerful than CO2, spreads globally and could accelerate environmental destruction like never before

Written by Valdemar Medeiros
Published 26/12/2024 ร s 06:17
Deadly synthetic gas 3.500 times more powerful than CO2 is spreading globally and could accelerate environmental destruction like never before
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Scientists discover gas 3.500 times more powerful than CO2. This 'deadly' synthetic gas is present in many homes around the world. Understand how the synthetic gas more powerful than CO2 is scaring researchers.

Gas 3.500 times more powerful than CO2: A new threat is alarming scientists around the world: HFC-125, a highly harmful synthetic gas, is gaining prominence in climate studies. Recent data obtained by satellites reveal an alarming increase in its concentration in the atmosphere, configuring a true explosion that worries experts. This deadly synthetic gas, widely used in refrigeration systems and as a substitute for substances that destroy the ozone layer, has a global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2).

Their growing presence could significantly worsen existing climate problems, contributing to rising global temperatures and intensifying extreme weather events. Scientists warn that urgent measures are needed to mitigate their impact and regulate their use before the damage is irreversible.

Understand the concern behind the gas 3.500 times more powerful than CO2

Hydrofluorocarbons, of which HFC-125 is a member, were initially designed to replace CFCs, which are responsible for ozone depletion. Although they have no impact on the ozone layer, their effect on global warming is alarming. As a gas 3.500 times more potent than CO2 over 100 years in terms of global warming potential, HFC-125 is a significant heat trap.

Used primarily in air conditioning systems, refrigerators and fire extinguishers, the deadly synthetic gas is released into the atmosphere through industrial emissions. Its chemical stability makes it a persistent gas, remaining in the atmosphere for several decades.

For the first time, a team from Waterloo University, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, measured the concentration of this synthetic gas, which is more powerful than CO2, in space. The ACE-FTS satellite, in orbit since 2004, provided accurate data between 11 and 25 kilometers (around 7 to 15,5 miles) in altitude.

Measures taken to prevent deadly synthetic gas

The results of the measurements are impressive and, in just two decades, the levels of the synthetic gas more powerful than CO2 have increased 10-fold. This rapid increase reflects the growing demand for cooling technologies, particularly in emerging countries where such equipment is becoming commonplace.

The climate impact of the gas, 3.500 times more powerful than CO2, is not limited to its mere presence. By capturing infrared radiation, it intensifies the greenhouse effect and directly contributes to the rise in global average temperatures.

To address this trend, the international community adopted the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This agreement aims to gradually reduce the production and use of deadly synthetic gas while promoting more environmentally friendly alternatives. 

However, scientists stress that the effectiveness of these measures depends on their rapid and widespread implementation. Without immediate action, concentrations of the synthetic gas more powerful than CO2 will continue to rise, threatening to worsen an already fragile climate.

If regulations prove effective, as they have been for CFCs, scientists expect to see a gradual decline in the gas over the next few years. But time is of the essence to combat its effects and avoid irreversible climate disruption.

Understand what Global Warming Potential (GWP) is

Global warming potential (GWP) measures the impact of a greenhouse gas on global warming. It compares a molecule's ability to retain heat in atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide (CO2), which serves as a baseline. 

This value is calculated over a specific period, usually 20, 100 or 500 years. For example, in the context of this study, a GWP of 3.500 means that the deadly synthetic gas traps 3.500 times more heat than the same amount of CO2 over 100 years.

Gases with high GWP values, such as HFC-125, are of particular concern. Their long lifetimes amplify their impact, as they persist in the atmosphere for decades or even centuries. By accounting for GWP, international regulations such as the Kigali Amendment aim to reduce the use of these substances to limit their contribution to global warming.

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George
George
26/12/2024 08:09

I always wanted to understand the role of human beings within the ecosystem after the formation/creation of the world, now I understand that human beings are the trigger for the destruction of the planet, so that the perfect cycle of creation โ€“ destruction is fulfilledโ€ฆ

Carla
Carla
In reply to  George
26/12/2024 12:19

Destruction of the planet? Human beings will cease to exist, with or without oxygen they will continue to exist, the planet will remain there and will continue to exist, those of us who need it and not the other way around, the ones who are destroying what is needed will cease to exist, the human species and others may or may not come, but the planet continues lol

Jeans
Jeans
In reply to  George
26/12/2024 12:21

The planet just transforms

Olindo
Olindo
In reply to  Jeans
26/12/2024 17:16

Negative! Men, due to a lack of planning and foresight of the โ€œmistakesโ€ they will make, are changing the Earthโ€™s scenario.

Ilza
Ilza
In reply to  George
26/12/2024 16:55

Have mercy my God ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Felipe
Felipe
26/12/2024 08:17

CO2 is not deadly, plants breathe CO2 at night. You exhale CO2 when you breathe, it is part of the composition of the atmosphere, of the air we breathe.
stop demonizing CO2, we need this gas to survive on the planet.

Ivan Deverso
Ivan Deverso
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 08:18

And you say that CO2 is not such a bad idea. Meanwhile, researchers have just discovered HFC-125, a synthetic gas 3500 times more powerful than COXNUMX, and our refrigeration systems are releasing this 'monster' everywhere. Anyone who is unaware of this situation, please open your eyes!

Andre
Andre
In reply to  Ivan Deverso
26/12/2024 09:40

Carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon dioxide is part of the planet's atmosphere, and as Felipe said, it is necessary for life, since plants convert it to oxygen in the process of photosynthesis. Carbon monoxide is the danger, it is toxic, this gas is emitted by the combustion of automobile fuel, among other things. The article is wrong when it compares synthetic gas with CO2, saying that HFC is more deadly than CO2, even though the latter is not toxic.

osmair
osmair
In reply to  Valdemar Medeiros
26/12/2024 14:15

So it is necessary to plant the forests back in time and not look for solutions to replace one gas with another.

Jose
Jose
In reply to  Andre
26/12/2024 10:25

I've seen many cases of people dying because they lit a barbecue in their room to keep warm.

Aluidil
Aluidil(@aluidil)
Member
In reply to  Jose
26/12/2024 10:49

Yes, Josรฉ, it happens a lot during cold weather, when humble people, without having anything to cover themselves, create ways to warm themselves, with candles, barbecues, alcohol, oil lamps. The problem is that in closed environments, fire consumes oxygen very quickly and also releases carbon dioxide, which leads most people in these situations to death by asphyxiation, because as soon as it reaches a certain concentration of carbon dioxide, it acts as a sedative, which prevents victims from waking up or calling for help.

Mauro Rocha
Mauro Rocha
In reply to  Jose
26/12/2024 11:29

In this case it was just natural selection taking its course. Every idea that people come up with.

Nuno
Nuno
In reply to  Jose
26/12/2024 16:38

They died because of carbon monoxide and not CO2.

Aluidil
Aluidil(@aluidil)
Member
In reply to  Andre
26/12/2024 10:42

No Andrรฉ, they are not wrong because they want you to understand that carbon dioxide increases global temperatures through the greenhouse effect, the gas retains excess heat that should return to outer space, but carbon dioxide retains it on the planet, and this refrigeration gas is worse than that because it retains even more heat, thus increasing the greenhouse effect even more.

Osiris
Osiris
In reply to  Andre
26/12/2024 12:54

It is not toxic, but deadly if in excess.

Manuel Souza
Manuel Souza
In reply to  Ivan Deverso
26/12/2024 16:02

And the hotter it gets, the more this gas will be produced, with the use of greater quantities of refrigeration.

Ivan Deverso
Ivan Deverso
In reply to  Manuel Souza
26/12/2024 16:02

As the problem of global warming worsens, scientists have become concerned about the threat that has been posed by the hydrofluorocarbon gas HFC-125. This is a synthetic compound with a warming potential 3.500 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Research has revealed that the concentration of this gas in the atmosphere is increasing significantly. To better describe these studies and understand how this gas appears, it is necessary to first analyze the impact caused by CO2 in the atmosphere, considering the role of one of its main โ€œenemiesโ€ that was designed, in the past, to be a solution to climate problems. In the 1970s, two experts in environmental sciences identified the need to create substances that could replace the chlorofluorocarbons responsible for the significant destruction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere that, in the distant past, took place several decades ago in some regions of the globe. To solve this problem, they found (or โ€œcreatedโ€) hydrofluorocarbons โ€“ HFC-125, one of which! When it was found that hydrofluorocarbons have a lower capacity to cause damage to the ozone layer, it was discovered that this same gas had a shuttering effect on its level of global warming!

Jesus
Jesus
In reply to  Ivan Deverso
26/12/2024 17:27

Yeah! The article is about a gas and ILLUSTRATIVELY, it mentions another gas and those who can't read properly end up making bizarre comments. Hugs!!!

Ivan Deverso
Ivan Deverso
In reply to  Jesus
26/12/2024 17:27

I understand your concern, but there has been a misinterpretation of the article. Its purpose seems to be somewhat disconnected from reality. This article discusses the secret of a highly harmful synthetic gas, HFC-125, which can damage the ozone layer and is far more dangerous than CO2 in terms of climate impact. You may want to review the article to better understand this topic. Thank you for comparing.

Osiris
Osiris
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 12:52

So breathe it in๐Ÿ˜‚

John
John
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 15:19

What nonsense, do you think scientists don't know this and you were the one who discovered it? The problem is the excess CO2. Go study before commenting **** on the internet.

Allan
Allan
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 15:49

Wrong! Plants use CO2 during the day! They release CO2 at night because they breathe. Go study!

Marcia Silva
Marcia Silva
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 15:50

This one is lethal, HFC-125, a synthetic gas 3500.

Jesus
Jesus
In reply to  Felipe
26/12/2024 17:24

The article is about HFC-125 gas, a synthetic gas. Illustratively, it is 3.500 times more intense (+) than CO2 gas.
Go fishing. Go fishing. Go fishingโ€ฆ

Valdemar Medeiros

Journalist in training, specialist in creating content with a focus on SEO actions. Writes about the Automotive Industry, Renewable Energy and Science and Technology

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