what does chorofluocarbon do to effect the earth

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jerichorayel's profile pic

Posted on

Chlorofluorocarbons (abbreviated as CFC) are groups of synthetic organic chemicals that are composed primarily of carbon, oxygen, fluorine and chlorine. CFC's are manufacture because of wide variety of usage due to its effective properties. However, usage of CFCs has been reported to have effects on environment particularly on the earth atmosphere.

CFC was found out to be related in the ozone depletion in the atmosphere. When a single CFC molecule absorbs a particular light energy it produces a reactive radical that can reduce ozone into oxygen gas and radical product/s. We know that ozone layer protects the earth from harmful UV rays coming from the sun that can affect humans and other organisms.

CFCs are also a greenhouse gas, similar to carbon dioxide that increase the global temperature (if production is not monitored), which leads to another phenomenon called global warming. 

orchid101's profile pic

Posted on

Chlorofluorocarbons are responsible for ozone depletion. They are widely used as coolants in the air conditioners and refrigerators, cleaning solvents, aerosol propellants and in foam insulation. CFC is also used in fire extinguishing equipment. They escape as aerosol in the stratosphere. Jet engines, motor vehicles, nitrogen fertilisers and other industrial activities are responsible for emission of chlorofluorocarbons.

The threat to ozone is mainly from chlorofluorocarbons which are known to deplete ozone by 14% at the current emission rate. Depletion of ozone in stratosphere causes direct as well as indirect harmful effects. Since the temperature rise in stratosphere is due to heat absorption by ozone, the reduction in ozone would lead to temperature changes and rainfall failure on earth.

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