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| History Timeline |
| 1970: The Space Age
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 The "energy crisis" sends electricity rates soaring, leading to the development of energy-efficient air conditioners. Congress mandates thermostat settings, though compliance with the new law is sporadic.
Still the leading global supplier of refrigerants for the commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration industries, DuPont begins its own studies for alternative refrigerants after questions arise about possible harmful effects of fluorocarbons on the stratospheric ozone.
Moline and Rowland publish ozone depletion theory in 1974.
The theory suggests that continued use of CFCs could eventually deplete the ozone layer. Although the link to ozone depletion is not firmly established for over a decade, the potential for ozone depletion adds another dimension to refrigerant desirability.
As ozone depletion joins toxicity, flammability and corrosion on the list of undesirable traits of refrigerants, DuPont introduces HFC-134a as a CFC replacement.
Automotive air-conditioning units become lighter, more efficient and more compact. However, concerns about ozone-depletion reach the automotive industry. By 1976, R-134a is being considered the heir apparent to R-12 as the standard refrigerant.
In addition, U.S. production of aerosol products declines, the European aerosol market flourishes.
DuPont initiates the direct contact, or fluid bed, freezing of food. Equipment is being developed for its use.
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