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The ozone layer is destroyed by CFC's, chlorofluorocarbons, that are used as a propellant in aerosol cans, and refrigerants in older cars and refrigerators.

CFCs are very stable molecules that form a gas state, and contain chlorine (bromine-based chemicals perform similar ozone depleting actions). These chemicals diffuse up to the level of the ozone layer, and the energetic radiation there releases the chlorine (or bromine) from the molecule. Then the chlorine photcatalytically destroys ozone over and over. CFCs are largely why the ozone hole gets so big and lasts so long.

Water vapor is a bigger problem, however. The ozone layer has been depleting since the 1700s, and CFCs were not invented until the 1920s.

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13y ago
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1mo ago

CFCs break down in the stratosphere, releasing chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules. This depletion of ozone allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach Earth's surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer and harm to ecosystems.

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9y ago

CFC's are very harmful. They react with ozone to deplete it.

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Q: How are CFCs harmful to the ozone layer?
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Related questions

What layer of the ozone is CFCs harmful to?

CFCs harm the ozone layer by breaking down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, specifically in the layer known as the ozone layer. This depletion of ozone molecules can lead to an increase in harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.


What effect the refrigerant on environmental?

Some refrigerants have chlorofluorocarbons that are harmful to the ozone layer. The CFCs can lead to rapid depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere.


What in greenhouse gases are bad for the ozone?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are greenhouse gases that are harmful to the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, they break down ozone molecules and contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, leading to increased exposure to harmful UV radiation.


What kind of effect do CFCs - chlorofluorocarbons - have on the atmosphere?

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) destroy the ozone layer allowing harmful radiation to reach the earth.


What CFCs are the main cause of what?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs break down ozone molecules, which leads to a thinning of the ozone layer and increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.


Do CFCs make the ozone layer thicker?

No, CFCs actually cause damage to the ozone layer by breaking down ozone molecules. This depletion results in a thinner ozone layer, which can lead to increased levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth's surface.


What type of refrigerant is the most harmful to stratospheric ozone?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the most harmful refrigerants to stratospheric ozone. When released into the atmosphere, they degrade ozone molecules, leading to the formation of the ozone hole. These compounds have been phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to their detrimental impact on the ozone layer.


Do CFCs strengthen the ozone layer?

No, the chlorine and other chemicals in CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) destroy the ozone molecules and weaken the ozone layer.


What is the main source of chlorine atoms in the ozone layer?

Chlorine atoms in the ozone layer primarily come from human-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These CFCs were commonly used in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and solvents before being phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. When CFCs break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms that can catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules.


What is the protective layer of the atmosphere destroyed by CFC's?

The protective layer of the atmosphere that is destroyed by CFCs is the ozone layer. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) break down ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion. This thinning of the ozone layer allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to reach the Earth's surface, posing risks to human health and the environment.


What chemical harms the ozone layer?

Various chemicals can harm the ozone layer.The ones containing halogens are the most harmful.


Which type of chemicals destroy the ozone that protects people from harmful ultraviolet light?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons are types of chemicals known to destroy the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet light. These chemicals break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, reducing the ozone layer's ability to shield us from UV radiation.