What is a significant environmental impact of F-gases?

F-gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), are known for their high global warming potential (GWP). This means that, when released into the atmosphere, they have a significantly greater capacity to trap heat compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). For example, some F-gases can have a GWP thousands of times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period. Their use in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam-blowing agents has contributed to their prevalence in emissions, prompting regulatory efforts to reduce their use to combat climate change.

The other options touch on other environmental issues but are not applicable in the context of F-gases. Ozone layer depletion is primarily associated with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, rather than F-gases. Groundwater contamination can result from various chemicals but is not a significant impact attributed to F-gases. Similarly, while air pollutants are a valid environmental concern, F-gases are specifically linked to global warming rather than general air pollution. Thus, the defining impact of F-gases is