Mid-latitude vertical profiles of CF4 and C2F6 are presented. They show CF4 decreasing from about 67 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) in the troposphere to 60 pptv at 35 km, while C2F6 falls off more rapidly, from 2 to 1.3 pptv. Assuming that the electrolytic aluminum reduction process is the dominating anthropogenic source, past emission scenarios for both fluorocarbons were determined. The comparison of observed profiles with those computed with a time-dependent model shows that 100% of C2F6 but only 35% of CF4 present in the atmosphere is from anthropogenic sources. The present global emission rates are 28¿103 t/yr for CF4 and 3.2¿103 t/yr for C2F6. The global abundances of both halocarbons are expected to grow by 2.8%, or 1.9 pptv/yr, and 6.4%, or 0.13 pptv/yr, respectively. ¿American Geophysical Union 1987