1. Plural of halon; synthetic chemical compounds containing bromine, chlorine, and fluorine, formerly used in fire extinguishers and suppression systems.
Usage: technical; environmental; largely phased out due to ozone-depleting properties

Examples

• Halons were widely used in aircraft fire suppression systems before their environmental impact was recognized.
• The Montreal Protocol led to the phase-out of halons in most developed countries.
• Military installations historically relied on halons for protecting sensitive equipment from fire.
• Halons are still permitted in certain critical applications where no suitable alternatives exist.
• The production of halons has been banned in many countries due to their effect on the ozone layer.