Why Do CFCS Cause Ozone Depletion?

Why Do CFCS Cause Ozone Depletion?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contain chlorine, carbon and fluorine and are used as fluids in air conditioners and refrigerators. These are gases that can easily be liquefied because they are non-toxic and stable. Ozone, on the other hand, is in the troposphere and it may contain harmful effects on living things because of being toxic.

Ozone depletion is a slow decline in total ozone volume in Earth’s stratosphere. A larger decrease in stratospheric ozone is a phenomenon called an ozone hole. Destruction or depletion on the ozone layer is caused by harmful chemicals such as CFCs. The ozone prevents harmful ultraviolet lights from passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Continuous destruction made by CFCs will surely lead to ozone depletion. Although these chemicals are heavier than air, eventually, they are being carried into Earth’s stratosphere and the UV rays make them break apart and chlorine atoms will then be released. One chlorine atom breaks more than 100, 000 molecules in the ozone leading to depletion.

CFCs are manmade substances commonly known as ozone-depleting substances. Natural sources such as ocean spray and volcanoes can contribute to depletion of ozone as well because they are natural sources of chloride. The process of depletion begins once Chlorofluorocarbons dissociate and produce a chlorine molecule. It will combine with the ozone reducing its oxygen and CIO molecule. It attacks other ozone molecule and participates in this cycle over and over again.

On these proven facts, CFCs have been minimized and even banned for refrigerators and air conditioners companies. Since the chemical is contributing to the destruction of ozone layer, different diseases and cancer may affect people. However, global warming is different and cannot be compared with ozone depletion. Destruction with the ozone layer is the main effect of depletion allowing UV rays to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.