The recent research has revealed that 74,000 tonnes of three new chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one new hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) have been released into the atmosphere.

Scientists made the discovery by comparing today's air samples with air trapped in polar snow which provides a century-old natural archive of the atmosphere. They also looked at air collected in the last three decades in the unpolluted regions of Tasmania.

Measurements show that all four new gases have been released into the atmosphere recently and that two are significantly accumulating. 

These four gases were not detected in the atmosphere until the 1960's which shows that they are human made and they were detected only recently due to the significant rise in their accumulation.

The identification of these four new gases is very worrying as they will contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. It is not known where the new gases are being emitted from and this is a matter that should be investigated. Possible sources include chemicals used for insecticide production and solvents for cleaning electronics.

What's more, the three CFCs are being destroyed and disintegrated very slowly in the atmosphere, so even if emissions were to stop immediately, they will still be around for many decades to come.

This serves as yet another reminder to us humans to stop misusing our intellect and capabilities to enhance our comforts at the cost of the environment.