Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used 1. in the production of plastic foams 2. in the production of tubeless tyres 3. in cleaning certain electronic components 4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic chemicals containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. Due to their non-toxicity, non-flammability, and chemical stability, they were extensively utilized in various industrial applications before being identified as major contributors to ozone layer depletion and regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: CFCs were widely used as blowing agents in the manufacturing of plastic foams (such as polyurethane and polystyrene foams). These foams are used for insulation, packaging, and cushioning. The CFCs help generate the gas bubbles that create the foam's cellular structure. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: CFCs are not utilized in the production of tubeless tyres. Tyre manufacturing involves materials like natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, and curing agents. There is no application for CFCs in this process. - Statement 3 is Correct: CFCs, specifically CFC-113, served as effective industrial solvents for cleaning electronic components, circuit boards, and precision equipment. They were preferred because they could dissolve oils and contaminants without damaging delicate electronic parts and evaporated quickly without leaving residue. - Statement 4 is Correct: Prior to global bans, CFCs were the standard propellants (pressurizing agents) used in aerosol cans for products such as deodorants, hairsprays, paints, and insecticides. Key Takeaway: The primary industrial applications of CFCs included refrigerants, air conditioning systems, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and cleaning solvents for electronics. They are not involved in the rubber or tyre manufacturing industry.

IAS 2012 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2012mcqmedium

Consider the following statements:

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used

in the production of plastic foams
in the production of tubeless tyres
in cleaning certain electronic components
as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic chemicals containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. Due to their non-toxicity, non-flammability, and chemical stability, they were extensively utilized in various industrial applications before being identified as major contributors to ozone layer depletion and regulated under the Montreal Protocol.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: CFCs were widely used as blowing agents in the manufacturing of plastic foams (such as polyurethane and polystyrene foams). These foams are used for insulation, packaging, and cushioning. The CFCs help generate the gas bubbles that create the foam's cellular structure.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: CFCs are not utilized in the production of tubeless tyres. Tyre manufacturing involves materials like natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, and curing agents. There is no application for CFCs in this process.
Statement 3 is Correct: CFCs, specifically CFC-113, served as effective industrial solvents for cleaning electronic components, circuit boards, and precision equipment. They were preferred because they could dissolve oils and contaminants without damaging delicate electronic parts and evaporated quickly without leaving residue.
Statement 4 is Correct: Prior to global bans, CFCs were the standard propellants (pressurizing agents) used in aerosol cans for products such as deodorants, hairsprays, paints, and insecticides.

Key Takeaway:
The primary industrial applications of CFCs included refrigerants, air conditioning systems, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and cleaning solvents for electronics. They are not involved in the rubber or tyre manufacturing industry.

Your note

IAS Environment & Ecology in other years

Environment & Ecology 2026 Environment & Ecology 2025 Environment & Ecology 2024 Environment & Ecology 2023 Environment & Ecology 2022 Environment & Ecology 2021 Environment & Ecology 2020 Environment & Ecology 2019 Environment & Ecology 2018 Environment & Ecology 2017 Environment & Ecology 2016 Environment & Ecology 2015

More IAS Environment & Ecology questions

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2026medium

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?

2026medium

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

View all Environment & Ecology questions

Keep practicing Environment & Ecology

Work through every IAS Environment & Ecology PYQ, year by year.

Browse all Environment & Ecology topics

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: CFCs were widely used as blowing agents in the manufacturing of plastic foams (such as polyurethane and polystyrene foams). These foams are used for insulation, packaging, and cushioning. The CFCs help generate the gas bubbles that create the foam's cellular structure.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: CFCs are not utilized in the production of tubeless tyres. Tyre manufacturing involves materials like natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, and curing agents. There is no application for CFCs in this process.
Statement 3 is Correct: CFCs, specifically CFC-113, served as effective industrial solvents for cleaning electronic components, circuit boards, and precision equipment. They were preferred because they could dissolve oils and contaminants without damaging delicate electronic parts and evaporated quickly without leaving residue.
Statement 4 is Correct: Prior to global bans, CFCs were the standard propellants (pressurizing agents) used in aerosol cans for products such as deodorants, hairsprays, paints, and insecticides.