Chlorofluorocarbon, also called Freons are compounds that are responsible for destroying the ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbons are man- made gases.
They are used as propellants in aerosol spray cans which are the main source for emission of Chlorofluorocarbon. These gases are also used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and are also use in many other industries.
The U.S, Japan, and the European countries are the leading producers of CFC's. CFC gases escape through the refrigerators, air conditioners and factories into the atmosphere.
In 1975 about 3000 million cans ejected more than 500,000 tons of fluorocarbons, and the total output of Freons was nearly 700,000 tons.
It was not given much importance until it had begun causing a considerable effect in the atmosphere. It has been discovered that the atmospheric concentrations of CFC are showing an increase.
It is undoubtedly true that ozonosphere acts as a filter for the harmful ultra-violet rays. Ultra-violet radiations are harmful to most forms of terrestrial life.
Even if a minute fraction that passes through the ozone layer, it is found to cause eye irritation and skin cancer. It stuns the growth of certain crop plants and has an adverse effect on a variety of organisms from bacteria to vertebrates.
Urbanisation and industrialisation of human civilization have released vast quantities of various kinds of pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants cause damage to the physical environment, vegetation, and they interfere with the climate also.
The challenges and problems are complex and deserve to be addressed urgently. Immediate action needs to be taken by every individual, social groups and governmental level.
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7 Comments
Immediate action is a must to restrict CFC alternatives, as mentioned by Rohan, R-410A must be encouraged.
Posted 11-02-2014 12:47
especially the Cl2 present in CFCs are harmful and the major reason for ozone layer depletion.
Posted 07-02-2014 03:13
thanks for sharing. I also think everyone should be aware of CFCs impact of the environment and everybody should help reduce it
Posted 06-02-2014 11:44
the decrease of ozone layer is a very important issue. However, chlorofluorocarbons' emission have been greately decreased over the last years. The problem still exists however since these gasses need many years in order to reach the ozone layer and need extreme conditions in order to affect it (about -40 degrees, it's only possible in north and south pole) and the ozone layer still gets bigger
Posted 06-02-2014 01:20
Thanks for the informative piece. We as consumers have the power to effect change by boycotting products from companies who use CFCs when an alternative is available.
Posted 05-02-2014 14:02
Right Humaid. To tackle this problem a new refrigerant has been introduced R-410A. This is the Ozone Friendly, Chlorine free refrigerant of the future. This is now been made mandatory in UAE specially in HVAC systems in New buildings.
Posted 05-02-2014 12:57
wow! this is very enlightening. Thank you very much Habeeb, for this piece of highly educative article.
Posted 05-02-2014 12:22