Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made chemical compounds that have been used in household products and as flame retardants for decades. They have been banned in many parts of the world due to their devastating effect on the Earth’s ozone layer. CFCs can destroy ozone particles and absorb huge amounts of heat, contributing to global warming. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has phased out the use of CFCs in new products, but the damage to the ozone layer is extensive and could take decades to reverse. Some products, such as asthma inhalers, still use CFC aerosol technology.
Chlorofluorocarbons are man-made chemical compounds composed of three types of atoms: chlorine, carbon and fluorine. These compounds have been present in household products and as flame retardants for decades and are believed to have done great harm. In addition to potentially causing illness through exposure, chlorofluorocarbons have been banned in large parts of the world for their devastating effect on the Earth’s ozone layer.
In 1890, a Belgian chemist managed to produce chlorofluorocarbons, also called CFCs, in a laboratory. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that their use became widespread through the efforts of inventor Thomas Midgely. Midgely had already achieved considerable fame for the invention of leaded gasoline, despite the profusion of workers who contracted fatal lead poisoning during production. Initially used to replace hazardous gases used in refrigeration systems, CFCs were quickly adapted for use in air conditioners, aerosol cans, military aircraft, and hundreds of other products.
Some experts consider chlorofluorocarbons one of the deadliest greenhouse gases ever invented. By some estimates, a single chlorofluorocarbon compound can destroy 100,000 ozone particles, allowing dangerous ultraviolet rays to filter to the earth’s surface. Additionally, chlorofluorocarbons absorb huge amounts of heat, which is then reflected back to the planet. In addition to these two destructive functions, CFCs can also survive in the atmosphere for at least a century, which means they can continue to cause atmospheric damage for over a hundred years after the bans go into effect.
Only in the 1970s, with 40 years of widespread use around the world, did science link the use of CFCs to ozone depletion. Even in the 1980s, some ozone environmental conferences ignored most of the damage caused by these hardworking compounds. Yet, in 1987, with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, evidence of harm from CFCs could no longer be ignored. The protocol, which has since been revised several times, provided for the phasing out of CFCs in new products.
As of 2009, nearly all United Nations members have ratified the Montreal Protocol agreements, and some have enacted additional legislation to eliminate the production and use of CFCs, such as the United States Clean Air Act of 1990. However, the damage to the ozone layer is extensive and could take decades, if not centuries, to reverse. Additionally, some products, such as some asthma inhalers, are still manufactured using CFC aerosol technology. Even older cars and air conditioning systems continue to emit dangerous CFC molecules into the atmosphere every day.
According to some experts, CFCs are among the worst scientific inventions in history. In addition to making some people sick upon exposure, these tiny molecules have done a spectacular job of increasing global warming, creating ozone holes, and generally making the planet less habitable. For people with older car models, appliances, or refrigeration systems, consider checking with the manufacturer whether CFCs are used in products. If so, it might be a great time to buy a brand new, environmentally friendly air conditioner.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
