Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were developed in the 1930s and became popular in refrigeration and aerosol technologies. However, they were found to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, leading to international environmental treaties limiting their use. CFCs were created as a safe alternative to toxic refrigerants, and were also used as propellants in consumer products. The chlorine in CFCs reacts with ultraviolet rays, leading to the destruction of ozone molecules. Although their use has been reduced, the long-term effects of CFCs on the environment remain unknown.
A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a gaseous compound of several basic elements, including fluorine, chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. Developed in the 1930s, chlorofluorocarbons have become extremely popular in refrigeration and aerosol technologies due to their relative stability and safety. Scientific discoveries of the late 20th century revealed that CFCs play a significant role in the depletion of the ozone layer; Since this discovery, international environmental treaties have significantly reduced the use of CFCs worldwide.
The creation of chlorofluorocarbon compounds dates back to the 19th century, but commercial production of the compounds wasn’t perfected until the 1930s. While searching for a safe, non-toxic alternative to poisonous and explosive materials used in refrigeration and cooling, such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and even propane, Thomas Midgely, an American inventor, began experimenting with adding fluorine to hydrocarbons . The result of his testing was a compound which provided cooling properties without the high flammability risk; Midgely was hailed as a genius and the refrigeration landscape changed rapidly and indelibly.
In addition to their use as cooling agents, the soon-to-be-found chlorofluorocarbon compounds also became popular in other consumer products. New variants of chlorofluorocarbons have been found to work very well as propellants, making them ideal for sprays and liquid suspensions. Shaving cream, asthma inhalers, hairspray, and all kinds of spray or foam products routinely used CFCs to create a smooth, non-toxic delivery system.
As scientists soon discovered, the wonderful properties of chlorofluorocarbons had a hidden danger, largely due to the chlorine in their composition. As CFCs rise through the atmosphere, they are hit by ultraviolet rays which cause chemical degradation, freeing the chlorine from its bond. Chlorine, which is naturally rare in the atmosphere, is capable of consuming and destroying ozone molecules. With the enormous commercial popularity of chlorofluorocarbon during the 20th century, humans suddenly began releasing huge amounts of CFCs into the air, leading to a gradual but severe depletion of the atmosphere’s protective ozone layer.
By 1985, many scientists had confirmed a rapidly growing hole in the ozone layer and held chlorofluorocarbon compounds primarily responsible for its existence. In an effort to lessen the damage and give ozone a chance to fix itself, many countries have begun signing protocols banning or severely limiting the use of the compounds in nearly all products. Although the use of CFCs has been greatly reduced since the late 20th century, CFC compounds can remain in the atmosphere for up to a century, meaning the full extent of the damage and ability to recover remains unknown.
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