New greenhouse gas

2000/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

A group of scientists from European universities have discovered a new greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. This gas, called trifluoromethyl pentafluoride sulfide (SF5CF3), belongs to the family of the well-known SF6 hexafluoride sulfide gas. Researchers believe that the new gas is produced by the industry, although it is not yet clear when and how it is produced. Its generation could be associated with SF6 gas, due to its similar characteristics. SF6 gas is used to make plugs, tennis balls and car wheels as well as in metal melting processes. The new gas molecules have a great capacity to prevent radiation and have a long life (thousands of years). Therefore, a high concentration of this gas in our atmosphere would generate a great greenhouse effect.