Propellants are used to disperse aerosols, powders and other materials in a wide variety of applications. Consumers are familiar with products such as cleaners, waxes, and spray paints that are packaged in "aerosol spray cans" that use propellants. In addition, many medical, commercial and industrial products use propellants. These products include adhesives; document preservation sprays; portable fire extinguishing equipment; insecticides; sterilants; animal repellants; medical devices such as anti-asthma inhalers and topical anesthetic applicators; lubricants, coatings and cleaning fluids used in the electrical, electronic, and aerospace industries; and blowing agents and mold release agents used in the production of foams, plastic and elastomeric materials. In many cases, the propellant pressurizes, atomizes and delivers the product as an aerosol spray. In other cases, the propellant itself is the sole or major "active ingredient" of the product, usually for solvent and/or cleaning applications.

Aerosol sprays and other dispersions made possible...