Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary culprits responsible for ozone layer depletion. These synthetic chemicals, once commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays, release chlorine atoms into the stratosphere. These chlorine atoms then catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer.
Understanding the Impact of CFCs
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Ozone Depletion Mechanism: CFCs are stable in the lower atmosphere but break down in the stratosphere due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This breakdown releases chlorine atoms, which react with ozone (O3), converting it to oxygen (O2). A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before being removed from the stratosphere.
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Global Impact: Because atmospheric winds distribute these gases globally, the effects of CFC emissions are felt worldwide, even if the emissions originate in a specific region. The resulting ozone depletion increases the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
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International Action: The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, successfully phased out the production and consumption of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS). This has led to a slow but steady recovery of the ozone layer.
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Other ODS: While CFCs are the most significant contributors, other ODS, such as halons and carbon tetrachloride, also contribute to ozone depletion. These substances, although less prevalent than CFCs, still have a significant impact.
References Supporting the Information:
- CFCs, also known as Chlorofluorocarbons, cause the depletion of the ozone layer which protects humans from harmful UV rays coming from the Sun by absorbing them in the upper atmosphere.
- Ozone depleting substances | Ministry for the Environment This source confirms that CFCs are ozone-depleting substances and were banned in New Zealand in 1996.
- Which gas is mainly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer? This source directly states that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) play a major role in ozone depletion.
- Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998 - NOAA CSL This source explains that ozone-depleting gases are mixed globally by atmospheric winds.
- Effect of greenhouse gas emissions on stratospheric ozone depletion This confirms that CFCs, halons, and other chlorine and bromine-containing compounds are the main causes of ozone depletion.
- [Solved] Which gas is mainly responsible for ozone layer depletion?](https://testbook.com/question-answer/which-gas-is-mainly-responsible-for-ozone-layer-de--60a91379ccbe3248814d19a6) This source confirms CFCs as the main cause.
