Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

What is the environmental concern associated with CFCs?

1. They contribute to global warming

2. They deplete the ozone layer

3. They are a water contaminant

4. They cause acid rain

The correct answer is: They deplete the ozone layer

The concern surrounding chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) primarily focuses on their role in depleting the ozone layer. CFCs are synthetic compounds that were widely used in refrigerants, aerosol sprays, and other applications. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs eventually reach the stratosphere, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms can then react with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer, which is critical for protecting life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. While CFCs have environmental impacts that can relate to other issues, such as their potential contribution to global warming or involvement in atmospheric processes, their most significant and well-documented effect is on the ozone layer. This depletion has serious ecological and health implications, including increased rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to ecological systems that rely on balanced UV exposure. Understanding this specific impact is key to grasping the broader environmental concerns associated with CFCs.