What would happen if CFCs were banned?
What would happen if CFCs were banned?
Ozone is Earth’s natural sunscreen, absorbing most of the incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and protecting life from DNA-damaging radiation. By 2040, the ozone hole is global. …
What was the effect on the environment of banning chlorofluorocarbons?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.
Why was it recommended that a ban on CFC’s be delayed?
First of all, according to the models, it would take a long time for CFCs to move high enough in the atmosphere to be broken down — and that means that we should expect a delay between when CFCs are released and when the ozone layer is damaged.
How do Chlorofluorocarbons CFCs affect living things?
CFCs contribute to the loss of the protective ozone layer, which blocks ultraviolet rays from the sun. This exposes more people to UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer. According to the University of Georgia, one in five Americans develops skin cancer in his or her lifetime.
What is the cause of CFCs?
The most common emitter of CFCs are refrigerants, particularly those used after the 1930s. When the coolant used in old refrigerators, cars, air conditioners and other machines is not properly disposed of, it leaks CFCs into the atmosphere as liquids evaporate or work their way into the soil.
How can we prevent CFCs?
Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant. Buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.
Is the ozone layer decreasing?
Arctic ozone decreases of as much as 40 percent have been measured. This thinning typically occurs during years when lower-stratospheric temperatures in the Arctic vortex have been sufficiently low to lead to ozone-destruction processes similar to those found in the Antarctic ozone hole.
What were CFCs originally used for?
refrigerants