Suphur hexafluoride (SF6)

SF6, Svavelhexafluorid

Sulphur hexafluoride, SF₆, is a colourless, odourless gas that is included in the group F-gases. F-gases have a significant greenhouse gas effect. In order to compare the effect of different greenhouse gases, emissions are converted into carbon dioxide equivalents. The average retention time of SF₆ in the atmosphere is very long and estimated to 3 200 years.

Uses

Sulphur hexafluoride is a synthetically produced gas which most important application area is as insulation and arc-quenching medium within the electronics industry. The gas is for example used in high-voltage substations. Sulphur hexafluoride is also used as cover gas for magnesium casting. SF₆ is also used as testing and calibration gas, as synthetic gas and for laboratory use.

Sulphur hexafluoride was previously used as insulation gas in windows and as shock absorbing gas in sports shoes.

Sources and transportation pathways

Sulphur hexafluoride does not exist naturally in the environment. The most important transportation pathway is by air. Emissions originate from magnesium production industries.

Effects on environment and health

Sulphur hexafluoride is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to the increased greenhouse gas effect. The increased greenhouse gas effect results in an increase of the average temperature on earth, which for example leads to climate change and rising of the sea level.

Exposure to high concentration of sulphur hexafluoride may cause suffocation as sulphur hexafluoride displaces the oxygen from the air. High exposure to sulphur hexafluoride may give rise to dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, shortage of breath and reduced consiousness.

International agreements and regulations

Sulphur hexafluoride is regulated by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as by the EU Governance regulation (2018/1999/EC), the EU ETS (2003/87/EC) and the EU F-gas regulation (2024/573/EC). The UN Protocol on PRTRs and the EU E-PRTR regulation regulate how data on sulphur hexafluoride is made available.




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