A Discussion on the Impact of CFC12 Emission Rate from XPS Insulation on Atmospheric Banks

Abstract

This report presents new information regarding emissions of CFC12 used to make extruded polystyrene foam products. Earlier reports identified a significant difference in emission rates from extruded polystyrene foam that are used to estimate the amount of the chlorofluorocarbon yet to be released from these materials — the banked amount. Since the estimated atmospheric lifetime of CFC12 is ∼100 years, it is very important to use an accurate release rate from extruded polystyrene foam in actual use to corroborate laboratory measurements. This report will provide evidence that CFC12 is emitted from extruded polystyrene foam more than an order of magnitude slower than some earlier reported rates, resulting in a bank of CFC12, yet to be released from the foam, potentially larger than previously estimated.