The aviation and aerospace industries use a wide variety of chemicals, including:
Fuels: High-energy liquid and solid fuels used in space flight, such as liquid oxygen, hydrazine, peroxides, and fluorine
Anti-freeze and deicers: Substances like propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, calcium magnesium acetate, and sodium formate
Solvents: Many solvents are used, including environmentally damaging ones like methyl ethyl ketone and freon, which are being replaced with more environmentally friendly options
Cleaning agents: Used in the aviation industry
Polyurethanes: Used to make foams that provide comfort and support in airplane seats
Fluorinated chemicals: Also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these chemicals are critical to air travel