C+-+CFCs&Ozone

   

__Background Information__ - CFCs were first produced in the 1890s but were not used until the 1920s. They became into use through a man called Thomas Midgely. - CFCs were used to replace the dangerous gases that were used in refrigeration systems and were adapted for use in conditioners and even military aircrafts.

__What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?__ - Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs (also known as Freon) are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-carcinogenic (don’t cause cancer). They contain fluorine atoms, carbon atoms and chlorine atoms - CFCs can be liquids or gasses and they are nonflammable and have a high heat-stablility. - CFCs were used in refrigerants, aerosol cans and solvents. They were used in these everyday products because of their heat-stability which made things more resistant to fire and heat.

__Why are chlorofluorocarbons banned?__ - The release of CFCs into the atmosphere depletes the beneficial ozone layer faster than it can be recharged by natural process. - The loss of stratospheric ozone has been linked to a number of human health problems that include skin cancer, eye cataracts and suppression of the immune system. - In 1977 the US government banned the use of all nonessential fluorocarbon aerosols. - In 1987, an international treaty banning CFCs was drafted which have restricted the manufacture and use of CFCs in other parts of the world

__Why is the ozone layer still deteriorating despite the banning of CFCs?__ - When released into the air, CFCs rise above the Earth’s lower atmosphere and into the stratosphere. The CFCs are then converted from the sun’s UV rays into chlorine compounds. - After being converted into the chlorine compounds, they react with the stratospheric ozone molecules which are O3. - This reaction produces ordinary oxygen molecules which depletes the ozone molecules. - CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere for 20 to 100 years. Which means that one free chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can keep destroying the ozone layer for a long period of time. - CFCs can be destroyed safely if captured. These processes permanently remove a global warming threat and they are highly verifiable and practical today.   - The destruction of CFCs could cost $62 -$180 billion globally, so direct funding is unlikely. An alternative approach would be to use new carbon markets.  ** Bibliography ** American Geophysical Union (2003, July 30). Destruction Of Ozone Layer Is Slowing After Worldwide Ban On CFC Release. //ScienceDaily //. [] U.S Environmental Protection Agency (2010, August 19). Ozone Layer Protection Glossary. // Ozone Layer Protection. //[] Environmental and Energy Study Institute (2009, October 2). Chlorofluorocarbons: An Over looked Climate Threat. // EES. //[] "The Environment - How Do Chlorofluorocarbons Affect The Earth's Ozone Layer?." __ Science Fact Finder __. Ed. Phillis Engelbert. UXL-Gale, 1998.__eNotes.com__. 2006. 1 Dec, 2010 [|http://www.enotes.com/science-fact-finder/ environment/how-do-chlorofluorocarbons-affect-earths-ozone] Rusch, George M.. "Chlorofluorocarbons." __ Encyclopedia of Public Health __. 2002. Retrieved December 1, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com: []