WHAT ARE CFCs? WHAT IS THEIR IMPACT ON THE OZONE LAYER?
Fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds used mainly as refrigerants for freezers, refrigerators and air-conditioning units, and as industrial cleansing solvents primarily in the high-tech industry. CFCs are also used as an expansion agent in the manufacture of isocyanurate thermal insulation, and some extruded polystyrene foam used for thermal insulation, and some extruded polystyrene foam used for thermal insulation products, and food service containers. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the stratosphere where they break down and release chlorine. The chlorine then acts to reduce the stratospheric ozone layer, causing an increase in the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth.
