What problems did CFCs cause?

Answer 1

The main problems with the use of CFCs is that when the CFC used, it is released into the atmosphere. Being stable and insoluble it does not easily get "washed" out of the atmosphere by rain. As decades past and the CFCs eventually reach the stratosphere, they are exposed to UV light which causes them to photo dissociate and react with the ozone and gradually depleting the ozone in the atmosphere. This allows UV light, which was blocked by the ozone, to enter the earth. The UV light is harmful for organisms.

Answer 2

CFCs damage the ozone layer. One example of the consequences of CFCs is the ozone layer hole right above the South Pole. There is evidence to suggest that CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, deplete the ozone layer. the problem with this, is that with the depletion of the ozone layer comes a loss of protection from harmful UV radiation from the sun. For example, in New Zealand where the air is purest and the ozone layer thinner, rates of skin cancer are among the highest in the world.

Answer 3

MANY PROBLEMS EFFECTS BY CFC'S(CHLORO FLURO CARBONS)

THE MAIN EFFECT IS IN OZONE LAYER.

Ozone depletion describes two distinct, but related observations: a slow, steady decline of about 4% per decade in the total volume of ozone in Earth's stratosphere (the ozone layer) since the late1970s, and a much larger, but seasonal, decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth's polar regions during the same period. The latter phenomenon is commonly referred to as the ozone hole. In addition to this well-known stratospheric ozone depletion, there are also tropospheric ozone depletion events, which occur near the surface in polar regions during spring.

The detailed mechanism by which the polar ozone holes form is different from that for the mid-latitude thinning, but the most important process in both trends is catalytic destruction of ozone by atomic chlorine and bromine.[1] The main source of these halogen atoms in the stratosphere isphotodissociation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds, commonly called freons, and ofbromofluorocarbon compounds known as halons. These compounds are transported into the stratosphere after being emitted at the surface.[2] Both ozone depletion mechanisms strengthened as emissions of CFCs and halons increased.

CFCs and other contributory substances are commonly referred to as ozone-depleting substances(ODS). Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths (280-315 nm) of ultraviolet light (UV light) from passing through theEarth's atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concern leading to adoption of the Montreal Protocol that bans the production of CFCs and halons as well as related ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride andtrichloroethane. It is suspected that a variety of biological consequences such as increases in skin cancer, cataracts,[3] damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean's photic zone may result from the increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.

Answer 4

Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons (CFCs) react with ozone - reducing the amount in the atmosphere. The ozone layer of the atmosphere defends the earth from the sun's ultra-violet radiation. Without that protection - everything on earth would literally 'fry' !

Answer 5

In short they attacked and slowly depleted the ozone layer (however they didn't destroy it fully)