Why are chlorofluorocarbons harmful to the ozone layer?

Why are chlorofluorocarbons harmful to the ozone layer?

Once in the atmosphere, CFCs drift slowly upward to the stratosphere, where they are broken up by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms, which are able to destroy ozone molecules. The seasons have an impact on the Antarctic ozone hole. When sunlight returns in the spring, the chlorine begins to destroy ozone.

What do you mean by chlorofluorocarbon?

chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), any of several organic compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine. When CFCs also contain hydrogen in place of one or more chlorines, they are called hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs.

What is harmful to the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc. The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by the ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms.

Why is the use of chlorofluorocarbons being discouraged explain?

Use of chlorofluoro carbons is discouraged due to their detrimental effect on the environment. CFC’s damage ozone layer, allow harmful radiation from the sun to reach the earth.

What is the function of the stratospheric ozone layer?

Stratospheric ozone is a naturally-occurring gas that filters the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is typically regarded as ‘good’ ozone since it reduces the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. A diminished ozone layer allows more radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.

Which gas is destroying the ozone layer?

Ozone Depletion. When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.

What are the effects of ozone layer depletion on the environment?

Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage.

What are chlorofluorocarbons kids?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are gases used for various purposes including solvents,refrigerants and aerosol sprays. They are organic chemicals and contain carbon, (sometimes hydrogen,) chlorine, and fluorine.

Why is damage to ozone layer a cause for concern?

The ozone layer’s primary job is to block the Sun’s dangerous ultra-violet rays. The ozone layer’s depletion is a reason for concern because it will be unable to filter out ultra-violet radiation effectively, resulting in a variety of skin issues such as skin discoloration and skin cancer.