Why do spray cans affect the ozone layer?

Answer 1

They used to be bad for the environment but now the problem has been addressed by propellant changes. The propellant used to force the aerosol out of the can was a CFC, which damaged the ozone layer. Aerosol cans now use a hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen or air depending on the material to be sprayed. There are still potential environmental and safety issues but the ozone related problems have been addressed. CFC's are still used in some applications (e.g. Asthma inhalers) but the number of these exceptions is limited.

Answer 2

Spray cans contain compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that can be released into the atmosphere. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they break down ozone molecules, which help shield the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. The decrease in ozone molecules can lead to the formation of an ozone hole, allowing more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface.

Answer 3

The propellants used in lots of older products used chlorine or bromine containing molecules to force the product form their cans. The molecules are so stable, they survive to reach the "ozone layer", where sunlight breaks them down, and they in turn break down ozone. Most spray cans today do not use such compounds anymore...

Answer 4

They don't much, now that CFCs have been removed as propellants.

The above answer is not really correct. Removing CFC's has not changed our ability to learn and understand the issue. The ozone layer only has an issue during the winter at each pole. This is due, almost completely, because of a lack of sun creating ozone. Some believe that cfc's are helping make this thinning larger, even though no ozone depletion has been seen over populated area. The hole only shows up during the winter months at each pole.

Answer 5

Since 70s it can't. Now they use ozone-friendly propellants like propane and other hydrocarbon gases. But it's still bad for global warming and pollution. Before 70s they used fluorocarbons as propellant which was really bad for ozone. It's because ozone molecule is O3 and fluorocarbons "steal" the third oxygen atom from the ozone and it becomes regular O2 oxygen.

I personally avoid spray cans as much as I can (only use one spray product because without it my job would be a pita lol).

Answer 6

Aerosol cans: don't compress well in landfills, explode when incinerated, usually contain a flammable propellant, are seldom completely emptied before disposal, have valves that clog, spray buttons that become damaged or lost, and are one of the most expensive forms of packaging.

Answer 7

yes. most aerosol sprays emit ozone damaging voc

Answer 8

They contain CFC's. These react with ozone and deplete it.

Answer 9

No, aerosol sprays are harmful for the ozone layer. They contain CFC's which react with the ozone in ozone layer and deplete it.

Answer 10

Because they're bad chemicals that hurt the environment and animals.