Where do CFC gasses come from?
The most common source of CFCs are refrigerants, but fire suppression systems for aircraft and aerosols also emit CFCs into the atmosphere.
How does CFC get into the atmosphere?
CFCs reach the stratosphere because the Earth’s atmosphere is always in motion and mixes the chemicals added into it. This is because winds and other air motions mix the atmosphere to altitudes far above the top of the stratosphere much faster than molecules can settle according to their weight.
What CFC causes?
CFCs have been responsible for depleting the ozone layer as they destroy ozone molecules. The ozone layer is a high level layer of gas in the stratosphere. The ozone helps to keep out harmful UV rays, which cause sunburn and damage plants.
What are CFCs and why were they produced?
CFCs were developed as ideal gases used as refrigerants for refrigerators. Because of their special characteristics, inflammability and non-toxicity to human beings, CFCs were massively produced and consumed, particularly in developed countries, after the 1960’s.
Where does CFCs come from naturally?
Most of the chlorine entering the stratosphere is from man-made sources (84%), such as CFCs and HCFCs with the remaining 16% from natural sources, such as the ocean and volcanoes.
Can CFCs be removed?
As CFCs have no significant tropospheric removal process, but are rapidly photolysed above the lower stratosphere, the timescale for their removal is set mainly by the rate at which air is transported from the troposphere into the stratosphere.
How does CFC cause ozone depletion?
Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere (see details below). CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone’s ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity.
Is CFC gas harmful to humans?
Man-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere). Stratospheric ozone loss can result in potential harm to human health and the environment, including: increased incidence of skin cancer and cataracts.
How can we reduce CFCs?
Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant. Buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.
Are CFCs toxic to breathe?
CFCs can generally impair the human immune system, and scientists have linked direct expose to problems with the central nervous system . These problems might include difficulty breathing or injury to the heart, kidneys and liver.
Is CFC harmful to humans?
Although CFCs are benign in low concentrations, high concentrations can affect the heart, central nervous system, liver, kidneys and lungs, and extremely high levels can kill. Of more concern, however, are the possible consequences of ozone depletion and global warming.