CFC refrigerants were phased out of production by which date?

CFC refrigerants were phased out of production as part of the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to protect the ozone layer by eliminating substances that deplete it, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The significant step in this phase-out began on December 31st, 1995, which marked a critical milestone for the cessation of production of these harmful substances.

Using this timeline, the correct answer aligns with the regulatory actions that were put in place. Although the complete ban and further regulations applied beyond this date, such as restrictions on the use and sale of existing products containing CFCs, the key date for the ending of production is December 31st, 1995.

The options mentioned provide various dates that do not correlate with the established phase-out timeline. While January 1st, 2000, refers to an extended phase-out of certain substances, it does not pertain specifically to the cessation of CFC production. Similarly, December 31st, 1990, and December 31st, 2005, are outside the key regulatory timeline for CFC production limitation.