Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of organic compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They were commonly used as refrigerants, solvents, and propellants in aerosol cans. However, CFCs have been found to be major contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they rise to the stratosphere where they are broken down by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone molecules, breaking them down and reducing the amount of ozone in the atmosphere. This reduction in ozone can lead to increased levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
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