How do chlorofluorocarbons affect the Earths ozone layer?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are hydrocarbons, such as freon, in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. CFCs can be liquids or gases, are nonflammable and heat-stable, and are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants (such as in deodorant, whipped cream, and air fresheners), and solvents. When released into the air, CFCs slowly rise through the Earth’s lower atmosphere, and up to the stratosphere (second atmospheric layer, located about 7 to 30 miles [11 and 48 kilometers] above the Earth’s surface). There they are converted by the sun’s ultraviolet rays into chlorine compounds. The chlorine compounds react with stratospheric ozone molecules (O3), converting them into ordinary oxygen molecules (O2). The release of CFCs into the atmosphere depletes the beneficial ozone layer…
