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the Effect of chlorofluorocarbons on our ozone layer

Nikole St. George

March 22nd

If the manufacturing industry continues to produce products that expel chlorofluorocarbons, then our ozone layer is at continuous risk of opening completely within the next several decades.

Ozone Depletion: Chlorofluorocarbons are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms. When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nonflammable, nontoxic chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, bromine, etc... They are used in the manufacturing of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams, and packing materials(Elkins, 2022). Although CFCs are safe to use in lower atmospheric levels, they undergo significant reactions as they progress toward the upper atmosphere. Once chlorine and bromine (to name a few) atoms come into contact with the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. A single chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before being removed. Unfortunately, the Ozone layer is destroyed more quickly than naturally generated (Wachter, 2021). If you're unsure why the Ozone layer is so essential, the ozone layer absorbs/ filters a portion of radiation (UV rays) emitted by the sun. The portation it absorbs is called UVB (Ultraviolet B), which negatively affects Human Health, Plantlife, Marine ecosystems, and biogeochemical cycles. During the 1970s, concerns about ozone depletion rose, prompting several countries to ban chlorofluorocarbons, however, even today, products with Chlorofluorocarbons are continuously being produced at a rapidly growing pace (von der Leyen, 2022).

What data proves that my topic impacts the Earth's natural processes and its systems?

Diagram of Chlorofluorocarbons Affect the Atmosphere

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How do Chlorofluorocarbons impact the natural processes of the Earth's Landmasses?

Wachter, E. (2021, October 7). Basic Ozone Layer Science. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science#:~:text=Gaseous%20CFCs%20can%20deplete%20the,See%20Ozone%20Depleting%20Substance.Von der Leyen, U. (2021). Protecting the Ozone Layer. Climate Action. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/protecting-ozone-layer_en#:~:text=The%20ozone%20layer%20filters%20out,crucial%20to%20life%20on%20Earth.Von der Leyen, U. (2021). Protecting the Ozone Layer. Climate Action. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/protecting-ozone-layer_en#:~:text=The%20ozone%20layer%20filters%20out,crucial%20to%20life%20on%20Earth.Elkins, J. W. (2022). Chlorofluorocarbons. Global Monitoring Laboratory. https://gml.noaa.gov/hats/publictn/elkins/cfcs.html#:~:text=Chlorofluorocarbons%20(CFCs)%20are%20nontoxic%2C,as%20solvents%2C%20and%20as%20refrigerants.Elkins, J. W. (2022). Chlorofluorocarbons. Global Monitoring Laboratory. https://gml.noaa.gov/hats/publictn/elkins/cfcs.html#:~:text=Chlorofluorocarbons%20(CFCs)%20are%20nontoxic%2C,as%20solvents%2C%20and%20as%20refrigerants.

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